Lens-fitted photo film unit and method of producing photographic print

ABSTRACT

A lens-fitted photo film unit incorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is pre-loaded with unexposed photo film. A telephoto selectable type indicia is imprinted previously on a first edge of the photo film outside imaging frames in an optical manner. An indicia recorder imprints a magnification indicia on a second edge of the photo film outside the imaging frames in an optical manner each time that one exposure is taken. A combination of the telephoto selectable type indicia and the magnification indicia designates a printing condition for each of the imaging frames.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/186,682, filedNov. 5, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,652.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lens-fitted photo film unit and amethod of producing a photographic print. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a lens-fitted photo film unit and a method ofproducing a photographic print, which are adapted to photographicprinting service of various types.

2. Description Related to the Prior Art

There is a known type of lens-fitted photo film unit in which a framesize is changeable between a standard size and a panoramic size, andeither is determined selectively to take an exposure. The lens-fittedphoto film unit has two light-shielding plates rotatable upon beingoperated externally on the rear of an exposure unit. In the exposure ofthe panoramic size, a width of the exposure aperture defining anexposure region is reduced. Another type of the lens-fitted photo filmunit is sold in the market. In this type, an exposure mode is changeablebetween a macroscopic mode and a standard mode. An additional lenselement is movably disposed to set either of the exposure modes.

Also there is a type of the lens-fitted photo film unit in which ataking lens has a great focal length for telephotography. A length of anoptical path from the taking lens to the photo film is considerablygreat. Therefore two mirrors are incorporated in its optical system forforming the optical path in a Z-shape. This is effective in reducing aback-to-front thickness of the lens-fitted photo film unit to ensureportability.

According to the Advanced Photo System, there is a photo film cassetteof IX 240 type, of which a back surface of the photo film is whollycoated with a coating of a transparent magnetic recording layer. Variousdata are recordable to the magnetic recording layer, including data fordesignating the number of photographic prints to be produced, data fordesignating a printing aspect ratio irrespective of the equal size ofthe exposure region, and other data of printing conditions. Note thattypes of the printing aspect ratio includes the H size or standard size(89×158 mm), the panoramic size (89×254 mm) and the C size (89×127 mm).

There is also a known method of image synthesis for use with thelens-fitted photo film unit. Additional transparent film is previouslysupplied, has an auxiliary image such as letters or symbols printedthereon, and is fitted on sides or at corners of an exposure aperture ofthe lens-fitted photo film unit. Each time that an exposure is taken inthe lens-fitted photo film unit, the letters or symbols are exposed tooverlap on the predetermined position of the imaging frame.

According to the known photofinishing system associated with the IX 240type of the photo film, only the above-described kinds of printingservice are available. To extend variety in the printing service for thelens-fitted photo film unit, it is' conceivable to provide thelens-fitted photo film unit with a magnetic recorder device. However themagnetic recorder device is expensive, and essentially inconsistent withthe lens-fitted photo film unit of which a cost should be low. It ispractically possible to provide the lens-fitted photo film unit with aselector mechanism of a low cost for the purpose of changing the size ofthe exposure region or designating a macroscopic mode. However any otherselector mechanism more complex than those types would be impractical,such as a mechanism for changing over the focal length of the takinglens.

In the above telephoto type of the lens-fitted photo film unit, theoptical path is Z-shaped in view of the portability. However, thereremains a problem in a considerable size in comparison with the standardtype of the lens-fitted photo film unit. The optical system fordetermining the Z-shape of the optical path increases the manufacturingcost.

It is possible for a user orally to instruct a photofinisher to apply adesired one of the printing conditions when he or she requestsphotofinishing. However, he or she must give suitable instructions inrelation to each strip of photo film, each imaging frame, and each ofthe printing conditions. There is a possibility of errors in suchinstructions. In a photo laboratory, printing operation is complicateddue to the printing conditions designated separately between the imagingframes and strips of photo films.

The photo film exposed in the lens-fitted photo film unit having themechanism for the image synthesis includes the auxiliary image exposedtogether with the subject image. Even if the user wishes to obtain thephotographic print from which the auxiliary image such as letters orsymbols is eliminated, it is impossible to produce such prints.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing problems, an object of the present invention isto provide a lens-fitted photo film unit of which photo film can besubjected to printing in extended variety of printing service withouthigh cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lens-fittedphoto film unit and a photographic print producing method in whichefficiency of printing operation with the photo film can be high evenwith the extended variety of printing service.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide alens-fitted photo film unit and a photographic print producing method inwhich photo film can be subjected to printing with image synthesis at alow cost easily.

In order to achieve the above and other objects and advantages of thisinvention, a lens-fitted photo film unit is provided with a housingwhich incorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is pre-loadedwith unexposed photo film. Plural optical indicia are imprinted in anoptical manner in positions outside each imaging frame on the photofilm, the positions being different from one another, a combination ofthe plural optical indicia designating a printing condition for printingof the each imaging frame.

In a preferred embodiment, a first optical indicia is imprintedpreviously on a first edge of the photo film outside imaging frames inan optical manner. An indicia recorder imprints a second optical indiciaon a second edge of the photo film outside the imaging frames in anoptical manner each time that one exposure is taken, wherein acombination of the first and second optical indicia designates aprinting condition for each of the imaging frames.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the photo film hasphoto film data, prerecorded thereon, for signaling a printing conditiondirectly or indirectly, the printing condition being predetermined forproduction of a photographic print from an imaging frame.

Furthermore, the printing condition is to trim a predetermined trimmedregion from an exposure region of the each imaging frame exposed througha taking lens, and to obtain the photographic print by enlarging thepredetermined trimmed region at a predetermined printing magnification.

In another preferred embodiment, an operation member is externallyoperable, for selecting one of plural printing conditions for each ofimaging frames, the plural printing conditions being predetermined forproducing a photographic print from the imaging frames. An indiciarecorder optically imprints a predetermined optical indicia on the photofilm at the each imaging frame in association with the one printingcondition. The photo film has photo film data, prerecorded thereon, forsignaling directly or indirectly that the optical indicia designates theone printing condition.

Furthermore, the printing condition is to enlarge the each imaging framein two directions at respective printing magnifications in accordancewith the optical indicia to obtain the photographic print, the twodirections being parallel to respectively shorter and longer sides of arectangular exposure region of the each imaging frame.

The photo film further includes a magnetic recording layer formed on aback surface opposite to an emulsion surface. The photo film data ismagnetically recorded in a magnetic data track predetermined in themagnetic recording layer.

The photo film data is imprinted optically.

In a photographic print producing method, it is determined whether photofilm data exists on the photo film, the photo film data representing apredetermined printing condition directly or indirectly. If the photofilm data exists on the photo film, the printer is controlled accordingto the predetermined printing condition, so as to obtain thephotographic print.

Furthermore, the printer is a digital printer in which an image of theimaging frame is photoelectrically converted to obtain image data, andthe image is optically exposed on photographic paper according to theimage data. The image data is processed according to the predeterminedprinting condition.

In a preferred embodiment, it is determined whether an optical indiciaexists for the imaging frame on the photo film, the optical indiciabeing predetermined for one of plural printing conditions. It isdetermined whether photo film data exists on the photo film, the photofilm data signaling directly or indirectly that the optical indiciadesignates the one printing condition. If the optical indicia and thephoto film data exist on the photo film, the printer is controlledaccording to the one printing condition, so as to obtain thephotographic print.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an operationmember is externally operable, for selecting one of plural printingcolor-tone conditions for each of imaging frames, the plural printingcolor-tone conditions being predetermined for producing a photographicprint from the imaging frames. A color-tone indicia recorder opticallyimprints a predetermined color-tone indicia on the photo film at theeach imaging frame in association with the one printing color-tonecondition. The photo film has photo film data, prerecorded thereon, forsignaling directly or indirectly that the color-tone indicia designatesthe one printing color-tone condition.

Furthermore, the printing color-tone conditions associated withrespectively the color-tone indicia are color printing, black-and-whiteprinting, and monochromatic printing of a toned color.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the photofilm includes encoded auxiliary image data, recorded magnetically oroptically in a position outside the imaging frame or a position keepingthe exposure safe, for representing a type of an auxiliary image, theauxiliary image being combined with the subject image for imagesynthesis in production of a photographic print.

Furthermore, the auxiliary image data is a single type of auxiliaryimage data, and the single type is recorded for each of imaging frameson the photo film.

In a preferred embodiment, the photo film includes encoded auxiliaryimage data, recorded magnetically or optically in a position outside theimaging frame or a position keeping the exposure safe, for representinga type of an auxiliary image, the auxiliary image being combined withthe subject image for image synthesis in production of a photographicprint. An operation member is operable externally, for selecting one offirst and second predetermined printing conditions for the imagingframe, wherein the first printing condition is to print the subjectimage with the auxiliary image according to the imaging frame, and thesecond printing condition is to print the subject image without theauxiliary image according to the imaging frame. A data recorder recordsdata of the one printing condition to the photo film for the imagingframe.

In another preferred embodiment, a data recorder records encodedauxiliary image data to the photo film magnetically or optically in aposition outside the imaging frame or a position keeping the exposuresafe, the encoded auxiliary image data representing a type of anauxiliary image, the auxiliary image being combined with the subjectimage for image synthesis in production of a photographic print.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrating a lens-fitted photo film unit;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective illustrating a housing of thelens-fitted photo film unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustrating a rear of the lens-fitted photofilm unit;

FIG. 4 is a plan illustrating first and second optical indicia areas;

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustrating detection of the optical indicia;

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustrating a shutter mechanism and a recorderfor the optical indicia;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a lamp drivingcircuit and a preheating circuit;

FIG. 8 is a perspective illustrating another preferred lens-fitted photofilm unit;

FIG. 9 is a perspective illustrating a photo film cassette;

FIG. 10A is an explanatory view illustrating an emulsion surface of thephoto film;

FIG. 10B is an explanatory view illustrating a back surface of the photofilm;

FIG. 10C is an explanatory view illustrating a layered structure of thephoto film;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective illustrating the lens-fitted photofilm unit;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective illustrating a view selector plate inthe front cover;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective illustrating an indicia selector;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a driving circuitfor an imprinter LED incorporated in a flash circuit;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a digital printer;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a system in thelens-fitted photo film unit is used;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the digitalprinter;

FIG. 18A is an explanatory view illustrating an image in a viewfinderaccording to the Standard mode;

FIG. 18B is an explanatory view illustrating the image in an imagingframe;

FIG. 18C is an explanatory view illustrating the image in a photographicprint;

FIG. 19A is an explanatory view illustrating an image in the viewfinderaccording to the 2-time tele-converting mode;

FIG. 19B is an explanatory view illustrating the image in an imagingframe;

FIG. 19C is an explanatory view illustrating the image in a photographicprint;

FIG. 20A is an explanatory view illustrating an image in the viewfinderaccording to the 3-time tele-converting mode;

FIG. 20B is an explanatory view illustrating the image in an imagingframe;

FIG. 20C is an explanatory view illustrating the image in a photographicprint;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view illustrating a preferred embodiment inwhich finder frames are observable associated with each of magnificationmodes;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram schematically illustrating another preferreddriving circuit for the imprinter LED;

FIG. 23 is a perspective illustrating a lens-fitted photo film unitspecialized for the 3-time tele-converting mode;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a system in which thelens-fitted photo film unit is used;

FIG. 25A is an explanatory view illustrating an image in the viewfinderaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25B is an explanatory view illustrating the image in an imagingframe;

FIG. 25C is an explanatory view illustrating the image in a photographicprint;

FIG. 26 is a perspective illustrating a preferred embodiment in which anexposure aperture has a reduced size;

FIG. 27 is a perspective illustrating a preferred lens-fitted photo filmunit of a slim selectable type;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a system in w thelens-fitted photo film unit is used;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the digitalprinter;

FIG. 30A is an explanatory view illustrating an image in the viewfinderaccording to the H-slim mode;

FIG. 30B is an explanatory view illustrating the image in an imagingframe;

FIG. 30C is an explanatory view illustrating the image in a photographicprint;

FIG. 31A is an explanatory view illustrating an image in the viewfinderaccording to the V-slim mode;

FIG. 31B is an explanatory view illustrating the image in an imagingframe;

FIG. 31C is an explanatory view illustrating the image in a photographicprint;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view illustrating still another preferred typeof lens-fitted photo film unit in which a printing color-tone isselectable;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective illustrating the lens-fitted photofilm unit;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a flash circuitand a color-tone indicia exposing circuit;

FIG. 35A is an explanatory view illustrating photo film for thelens-fitted photo film unit with a bar code;

FIG. 35B is an explanatory view illustrating the bar code recorded onthe photo film;

FIG. 36 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a digital printer;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating a color-tone indicia;

FIG. 38A is an explanatory view illustrating an imaging frame exposed onthe photo film with a first color-tone indicia;

FIG. 38B is an explanatory view illustrating an imaging frame with asecond color-tone indicia;

FIG. 38C is an explanatory view illustrating an imaging frame with athird color-tone indicia;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the digitalprinter;

FIG. 40A is an explanatory view illustrating a black-and-whitephotographic print;

FIG. 40B is an explanatory view illustrating a sepia photographic print;

FIG. 40C is an explanatory view illustrating a color photographic print;

FIG. 41 is a perspective illustrating the lens-fitted photo film unit inwhich an auxiliary image is combined with a subject image to produce aphotographic print;

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view illustrating a photo film cassette to beused in the lens-fitted photo film unit;

FIG. 43 is a perspective illustrating a device for recording anauxiliary image indicia to the photo film;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view illustrating a photographic printobtained from the lens-fitted photo film unit;

FIG. 45 is a flow chart illustrating a printing operation;

FIG. 46 is a perspective illustrating a rear of another preferredlens-fitted photo film unit in which insertion and elimination of anauxiliary image is selectable;

FIG. 47 is an explanatory view illustrating a designator device in thelens-fitted photo film unit of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a perspective illustrating a rear of still another preferredlens-fitted photo film unit in which one of plural auxiliary images isselectable; and

FIG. 49 is an explanatory view illustrating a selector in thelens-fitted photo film unit of FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

In FIG. 1, a lens-fitted photo film unit 1 of the present inventionincludes a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is constituted by ahousing 2 pre-loaded with photo film, and a label 3 or sticker wound onthe housing 2 in a belt-shape and attached to it.

The label 3 is provided with openings through which there appear ataking lens 4, and an eyepiece window and an objective window 5 includedin a viewfinder. A printed caption 10 of “ZOOM” is disposed on the frontof the label 3 to indicate the feature of the lens-fitted photo filmunit 1. The front of the housing 2 has the taking lens 4, the objectivewindow 5 of the viewfinder, and a flash emitter 6 of an electronic flashunit. The top of the housing 2 has a shutter release button 7 and acounter window 8. The rear of the housing 2 has a winder wheel 9 and theeyepiece window of the viewfinder.

In FIG. 3, an operation button 12 or slider is disposed on the rear ofthe lens-fitted photo film unit 1 for the purpose of determining aprinting magnification of an imaging frame before each exposure. Theoperation button 12 is set at a desired one of the indices X1, X2 andX3,to designates one of a “Standard magnifying mode (1-time)”, a “2-timetele-converting mode” and a “3-time tele-converting mode”. Those modesare predetermined in a photofinishing system for use with thelens-fitted photo film unit 1. In the 2- and 3-time tele-convertingmodes, a central portion of the imaging frame is printed at a printingmagnification which is respectively two or three times as great as aprinting magnification used in the Standard magnifying mode.Photographic prints obtained in those modes are called a pseudo-zoomphotograph. Information of the designated modes is recorded to apredetermined position in the lens-fitted photo film unit 1 at the timeof exposing the imaging frame.

In FIG. 2, the housing 2 is constituted by a front cover 13, a main body14, an exposure unit 15, an electronic flash unit 16, a photo filmcassette 17 or cartridge and a rear cover 18. The main body 14 isprovided with a cassette holder chamber 21 and a roll holder chamber 23between which an exposure aperture 19 is located. The cassette holderchamber 21 contains a cassette 20. The roll holder chamber 23 contains aphoto film roll 22 a, which consists of photo film 22 drawn out of thecassette 20 and externally wound in a roll form.

Bottom lids 18 a and 18 b are formed with the rear cover 18 to close thebottoms of the cassette holder chamber 21 and the roll holder chamber23. After mounting the rear cover 18, the photo film cassette 17 is heldbetween the main body 14 and the rear cover 18 by closing the bottoms ofthe cassette holder chamber 21 and the roll holder chamber 23. Thebottom lid 18 a under the cassette holder chamber 21 will be opened whenthe cassette 20 containing the photo film 22 is removed in a photolaboratory after exposure.

The winder wheel 9 is disposed on the top of the cassette holder chamber21 in a rotatable manner. An opening 25 is formed in the rear cover 18to cause a part of the winder wheel 9 to appear externally. When thewinder wheel 9 is operated to wind the photo film, the photo film 22being unexposed is pulled from the roll holder chamber 23 and set at theexposure aperture 19. At the same time the exposed portion of the photofilm 22 is contained into the cassette 20.

The shutter release button 7 is flexible on the top of the front cover13, because formed with an edge of a hole formed on the top wall of thefront cover 13. When the shutter release button 7 is depressed, itactuates the shutter mechanism in the exposure unit 15. The shuttermechanism is a type in which a shutter blade is swung back and forth forone time in front of a shutter opening. The shutter blade being swung,light from a photographic subject is passed through an exposure opening13 a in the front cover 13, and the taking lens 4 of the exposure unit15, and then the shutter opening, and becomes incident upon the photofilm 22 set at the exposure aperture 19. A light-shielded box 30 of abase portion of the exposure unit 15 shields ambient light from a pathbetween the shutter opening and the exposure aperture 19.

The flash unit 16 is a unified component including a main capacitor 32,a dry battery 33, a synchro switch 34 and the flash emitter 6. Thoseelements are mounted on a printed circuit board 31, which includes apower source circuit, a flash charger circuit, a flash emitting circuit.An example of the battery 33 is a UM-3 battery.

When a charger pushbutton 36 in the front cover 13 is depressed, theflash charger circuit is closed. The voltage of the battery 33 isboosted, to charge the main capacitor 32. Then the shutter mechanism isreleased. The shutter blade fully opens. The synchro switch 34 is turnedon to send a trigger signal to a flash discharge tube inside the flashemitter 6. In response to this the charged voltage in the main capacitor32 causes the flash discharge tube to illuminate. The flash emitter 6emits flash light to illuminate a photographic subject through a flashemitter window 37 in the front cover 13.

The printed circuit board 31 has a lamp 38 and a lamp control switch 39.The lamp 38 is a light source for the imprinting operation of an opticalindicia. The lamp control switch 39 controls time of driving the lamp38. A combination of the lamp control switch 39 and the lamp 38constitutes an illuminating circuit.

The illuminating circuit is disposed on the printed circuit board 31,and drives the lamp 38 by causing a current of at least a predeterminedamount to flow in the lamp 38 in response to turning on of the lampcontrol switch 39. The printed circuit board 31 also has a preheatingcircuit, which preheats a filament of the lamp 38 by causing a currentof at most the predetermined amount to flow in the lamp 38 in responseto halfway depression of the shutter release button 7. There is adetector, disposed under the shutter release button 7, for detecting thehalf depression of the shutter release button 7. When the front cover 13is combined with the main body 14, the detector is connected to thepreheating circuit on the printed circuit board 31 in a removablemanner.

In FIG. 4, imaging frames 22 d or exposure ranges are located on thephoto film 22. There are a first optical indicia area 22 e and a secondoptical indicia area 22 f on respective edges of the photo film 22outside the imaging frames 22 d. The first optical indicia area 22 e islocated along the first edge where perforations 22 b and 22 c of twokinds are disposed. A first optical indicia is imprinted into the firstoptical indicia area 22 e in a form of zero, one, two or three dotsarranged in line. The second optical indicia area 22 f is located alongthe second edge opposite to the first edge. A second optical indicia isimprinted into the second optical indicia area 22 f in a form of zero,one or two dots arranged in line. Combinations of the first and secondoptical indicia respectively define a printing condition, as indicatedin Table 1.

TABLE 1 Dots in second indicia area 22f 0 1 2 Dots in 0 H-size printP-size print C-size print first 1 Standard 2X tele- 3X tele- indiciamagnified converted converted area print print print 22e 2 Color printSepia print B/W print 3 Standard print Slim print Soft print

In the present embodiment, the trimming printing is intended to obtain apseudo-zoom photograph. The first optical indicia area 22 e ispreviously provided with a telephoto selectable type indicia 61, whichconsists of one dot as first optical indicia. The second optical indiciaarea 22 f is exposed by the lamp 38 to imprint a magnification indicia62, which consists of zero, one or two dots as second optical indicia.

In FIG. 5, photo sensors 64 and 65 of a reflection type are used in thephoto laboratory shortly before the printing operation. The opticalindicia areas 22 e and 22 f of the photo film 22 are searched by thephoto sensors 64 and 65 to detect optical indicia. A combination of theoptical indicia is evaluated to designate one of the printingconditions. In the present embodiment, the photo film 22 is detectedintended for producing pseudo-zoom photographs in accordance with thetelephoto selectable type indicia 61 which consists of the oneprerecorded dot. As indicated in Table 1, one of the “Standard magnifiedprint”, “2-time tele-converted print” and “3-time tele-converted print”is designated according to the number of the dot or dots in themagnification indicia 62 recorded within the second optical indicia area22 f. It is to be noted that the photo sensor 64 is a sensor which hasbeen so far used for optically detecting perforations. This new way ofusing the known sensor is effective in reducing additional expense forinvestment in equipment for the photo-finishing.

The exposure unit 15 is a unified component including the taking lens 4,a shutter mechanism, a one-frame advance mechanism, a shutter chargemechanism, and a photo film counter mechanism. In FIG. 6, the exposureunit 15 is constituted by a shutter blade 40, a sprocket wheel 41, ashutter drive lever 42, a retainer lever 43, a charge cam 44, aone-frame advance cam 45, a counter wheel 46 and the like.

The sprocket wheel 41 has plural teeth engageable with the perforations22 b and 22 c formed in the photo film 22, and is caused to make half arotation by advance of one frame of the photo film 22. The direction ofthe advance is indicated by the arrow in the drawing.

Rotation of the sprocket wheel 41 is transmitted to the charge cam 44and the one-frame advance cam 45, to cause the retainer lever 43 torotate to the frame set position upon advance of the photo film by oneframe. Then the retainer lever 43 becomes engaged with the one-frameadvance cam 45 and the winder wheel 9 to block rotation of the sprocketwheel 41 and block operation of the winder wheel 9. The rotation of thecharge cam 44 charges the shutter drive lever 42 in the chargedposition, so that the retainer lever 43 is kept in the frame setposition. Also a two-toothed gear 47 is caused by the rotation of theone-frame advance cam 45 to step the counter wheel 46 one by one.

When the shutter release button 7 is depressed fully in its stroke, arod 7 a formed under the shutter release button 7 pushes the retainerlever 43 to rotate it from the frame set position to a block-releasedposition. Then the retainer lever 43 releases the shutter drive lever 42from the retention. The shutter drive lever 42 is instantaneouslyrotated by a charge spring 49 from the charged position to the releasefinished position. In the course of the rotation a knocker arm 42 a ofthe shutter drive lever 42 knocks a blade end 40 a of the shutter blade40.

The shutter blade 40 is rotatable about a shaft 40 b, and has a bladeportion 40 c, which is opposite to the blade end 40 a with respect tothe shaft 40 b, for blocking a shutter opening 50. When the blade end 40a is knocked away, the blade portion 40 c rotates to an open position toopen the shutter opening 50, and then is returned to a closed positionby a return spring 51 to close the shutter opening 50. The synchroswitch 34 is disposed in the vicinity of the blade end 40 a. When theshutter blade 40 comes to the open position, an upper segment of thesynchro switch 34 is pushed by a projection 40 d to contact a lowersegment, so that the synchro switch 34 is turned on.

The lamp control switch 39 is disposed over the synchro switch 34. Thelamp control switch 39 is constituted by two segments arranged in arotational direction of the shutter blade 40 in a manner similar to thesynchro switch 34. The lamp control switch 39 is different from thesynchro switch 34 in certain features. When the shutter blade 40 is inthe closed position, the upper segment of the lamp control switch 39 iskept by the projection 40 d away from the lower segment. When theshutter blade 40 swings, the projection 40 d retreats to allow contactof the upper segment with the lower segment to turn on the lamp controlswitch 39. During the opening and closing movement of the shutter blade40, the two segments are kept in contact with each other due to theirfree state.

An end of an upper segment of the lamp control switch 39 is located in amoving path of the knocker arm 42 a, and also in a rotating orbit of theprojection 40 d. A lower segment of the lamp control switch 39 has alength to reach the outside of the rotating orbit of the projection 40d. The lamp control switch 39 is turned on by the retreat of theprojection 40 d upon the opening movement of the shutter blade 40.Before the return of the shutter blade 40 to the closed position, theshutter drive lever 42 reaches the release finished position. The lampcontrol switch 39 is turned on because the knocker arm 42 a raises theend of the upper segment of the lamp control switch 39. Thus the lampcontrol switch 39 constitutes a switch device for the illuminatingcontrol with the projection 40 d of the shutter blade 40 and the knockerarm 42 a.

The knocker arm 42 a raises the end of the upper segment of the lampcontrol switch 39 for turning off. Therefore the end of the uppersegment is shaped with a curvature in a direction opposite to the lowersegment, for the purpose of guiding entry of the knocker arm 42 abetween the segments. This is effective in avoiding interference of theknocker arm 42 a with the end of the upper segment. Also when theshutter blade 40 returns to the closed position, the projection 40 d isprevented from contacting the upper segment, and kept from causing theshutter blade 40 to bound.

The time of opening and closing the shutter blade 40 is determined bythe knocking force of the shutter drive lever 42 and the bias force ofthe return spring 51. The moving amount of the knocker arm 42 a is alsopredetermined. Thus the time of turning on the lamp control switch 39 isconstant in synchronism with opening and closing of the shutter blade40.

A reference numeral 53 designates a half depression switch, disposedunder the shutter release button 7, for detection of a half depressionof the shutter release button 7. The half depression switch 53 isconstituted by two segments arranged in a direction of the depression ofthe shutter release button 7. The upper one of the segments is fixed onthe bottom of the shutter release button 7. The lower one of thesegments is disposed to be contacted by the upper segment when theshutter release button 7 is depressed half as much as the stroke of theshutter release button 7.

There is also a light-shielded box 52 formed under the light-shieldedbox 30. The light-shielded box 52 is formed with the exposure unit 15,and accommodates the lamp 38, an imprinter plate 55 and an indiciaselector plate 54. The imprinter plate 55 includes two holes, which arearranged in the photo film advance direction.

The indicia selector plate 54 is movable in a direction of the advanceof the photo film in front of the imprinter plate 55, and is linked withthe operation button 12, which appears in the rear face of the rearcover 18. The indicia selector plate 54 has openings which operate toopen one or both of the two holes formed in the imprinter plate 55. Ofcourse the indicia selector plate 54 includes portions to close the twoholes.

In FIG. 7, the illuminating circuit and the preheating circuit in theprinted circuit board 31 are illustrated. The illuminating circuitconsists of a connected series of the battery 33, the lamp controlswitch 39 and the lamp 38. The power source of the preheating circuit isalso the battery 33. The half depression switch 53 and a resistorelement R in series therewith are connected in parallel with the lampcontrol switch 39.

As is known in the art, a filament of the lamp 38, when energized, iscaused to generate heat, so that the lamp 38 illuminates when thefilament comes to have temperature enough for emitting light. Theresistor element R has such resistance as to keep a current equal to orless than a value to heat the filament only at a temperature short ofthe light emitting temperature.

The operation of the above construction is described now. Immediatelyafter taking an exposure, the upper segment of the lamp control switch39 is raised by the knocker arm 42 a, so that the lamp control switch 39remains turned off.

The winder wheel 9 is rotated in a direction to wind the photo film. Thephoto film 22 being unexposed is drawn from the photo film roll 22 a andadvanced to the exposure aperture 19. The advance of the photo film 22causes the sprocket wheel 41 to rotate to charge the shutter mechanism.

Charging of the shutter mechanism causes the knocker arm 42 a to move tothe charged position. The knocker arm 42 a is moved away from the end ofthe upper segment. But the projection 40 d keeps the upper segment ofthe lamp control switch 39 in its position. The lamp control switch 39is still kept turned off electrically.

The photo film 22 is advanced by one frame by the photo film windingoperation. Then the one-frame advance mechanism is caused to blockrotation of the sprocket wheel 41 and winding of the winder wheel 9.

A user, before photographing, selects one of the three printingconditions including the “Standard magnifying mode”, the “2-timetele-converting mode” and the “3-time tele-converting mode”, and setsthe operation button 12 at the corresponding one of the three indices.For an exposure with flash light, the charger pushbutton 36 is depressedto charge the flash unit. Then the shutter release button 7 is depressedto take the exposure.

When the shutter release button 7 is depressed half as much as itsstroke, the half depression switch 53 is turned on. The preheatingcircuit is operated to preheat the filament of the lamp 38. The currentflowing in the filament is insufficient for heating to the lightemitting temperature due to the resistor element R. Thus the lamp 38does not illuminate. The shutter blade 40 still remains in the closedposition. The projection 40 d is raising the upper segment of the lampcontrol switch 39, which is kept turned off.

When the shutter release button 7 is fully depressed within its wholestroke, the rod 7 a causes the retainer lever 43 to rotate toward theblock-released position. Then the shutter drive lever 42 is releasedfrom the retention, and rotates instantaneously from the chargedposition to the release finished position. In the course of thisrotation, the knocker arm 42 a knocks the blade end 40 a of the shutterblade 40 to swing the shutter blade 40 back and forth for one time.

The blade end 40 a of the shutter blade 40 is knocked. The shutter blade40 rotates in the clockwise direction about the shaft 40 b. In aninitial step in this rotation, the projection 40 d is moved away fromthe upper segment of the lamp control switch 39. The upper segment ofthe lamp control switch 39 is moved back to its initial position by itsresiliency to contact the lower segment. The lamp control switch 39 isturned on. As the filament has been preheated since the step before theshutter releasing, the filament comes to have the light emittingtemperature upon turning on of the lamp control switch 39. The lamp 38emits light instantaneously.

When the shutter blade 40 fully opens the shutter opening 50, thesynchro switch 34 is turned on to emit flash light. Then the returnspring 51 causes the shutter blade 40 to rotate counterclockwise aboutthe shaft 40 b. Before the return of the shutter blade 40 to the closedposition, the knocker arm 42 a raises the upper segment of the lampcontrol switch 39, and moves it away from the lower segment. The lampcontrol switch 39 is turned off. So the lamp 38 is turned off.

The light emitted by the lamp 38 is passed through the openings in theindicia selector plate 54 and the holes in the imprinter plate 55, andimprints the magnification indicia 62 in the second optical indicia area22 f on the photo film 22. The lamp control switch 39 operates insynchronism with the regularly determined movement of the shutter bladeand the knocker arm 42 a. There is no time lag in the start of the lightemission. Therefore the magnification indicia 62 can be imprinted at anappropriately determined exposure.

Similarly all the remaining frames are exposed in the lens-fitted photofilm unit 1. The lens-fitted photo film unit 1 is forwarded to a photolaboratory. Then the label 3 is peeled. The bottom lid 18 a is opened.The photo film cassette 17, containing the photo film 22 being exposed,is removed from out of the cassette holder chamber 21.

The photo film cassette 17 is set in an automatic photo film processorto develop the photo film 22. Then the photo film 22 being developed isset in a photographic printer. In FIG. 5, the optical indicia areas 22 eand 22 f are sorted by the photo sensors 64 and 65 for each of theimaging frames. One of the printing conditions is determined accordingto a combination of the optical indicia being detected, for printing theimaging frame.

In the present embodiment, the telephoto selectable type indicia 61consisting of the one dot is detected at any of the imaging frames. Ifthe magnification indicia 62 is detected constituted by zero (0) dot,then the associated imaging frame is printed to produce a “Standardmagnified print”. If the magnification indicia 62 is detectedconstituted by one (1) dot, then the associated imaging frame is printedto produce a “2-time tele-converted print”, in which the central portionin the imaging frame 22 d is printed at twice as great a printingmagnification as that of the Standard magnified print. If themagnification indicia 62 is detected constituted by two (2) dots, thenthe associated imaging frame is printed to produce a “3-timetele-converted print”, in which the central portion in the imaging frame22 d is printed at three times as great a printing magnification as thatof the Standard magnified print. Note that photographic paper used inany of the three modes has the same size, because only the centralportions of the imaging frame 22 d are enlarged for the 2- or 3-timetele-converted print.

In the above embodiment, the first optical indicia is prerecorded in thefirst optical indicia area. Alternatively the first optical indicia maybe recorded by the lens-fitted photo film unit to the first opticalindicia area. For this purpose an additional lamp may be used. Thismakes it possible to provide the printing service in a more extendedmanner. Also three or more lamps may be used. Before loading of thephoto film, two or more types of the optical indicia may be prerecorded.

In the above embodiment, the optical indicia are imprinted on the frontside of the photo film. Alternatively optical indicia may be imprintedon a rear side of the photo film.

FIGS. 8-14 are now referred to. Another preferred lens-fitted photo filmunit is described, in which data for representing selectability oftelephoto is magnetically recorded to photo film. The lens-fitted photofilm unit incorporates various mechanisms for taking an exposure, and isconstituted by a housing 102 and a label 103 or sticker. The housing 102is pre-loaded with a photo film cassette of the IX 240 type. The label103 covers a portion of the housing 102.

In FIG. 9, a photo film cassette 117 or cartridge of IX 240 type isillustrated. The photo film cassette 117 is constituted by photo film118, a cassette 119 for containing the photo film 118, and a label 120or sticker attached to the cassette 119. The cassette 119 is constitutedby a rotatable spool 121, a cassette shutter 122, a disk 123 and variousparts which are included in a photo film advancing mechanism and a spoollock mechanism.

The photo film 118 has a trailer secured to the spool 121 in a removablemanner. At the time of photo film development, the photo film 118 isremoved from the spool 121 and separated from the cassette 119. Apassageway 124 is formed for advancing the,photo film 118 to the outsideof the cassette 119, and closed by the cassette shutter 122. At the timeof transport or preservation of the photo film cassette 117, the photofilm 118 inclusive its leader is wound about the spool 121, andcontained in the cassette 119. The spool 121 is closed to shield theinside of the cassette 119 from ambient light. While the cassetteshutter 122 is open, the spool 121 is unlocked and rotatable. When thespool 121 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the leader of the photofilm 118 is advance to the outside of the cassette 119 through thepassageway 124.

The label 120 includes a numerical code 120 a and a bar code 120 b. Thenumerical code 120 a represents information of the type of the photofilm 118, the number of available frames and the cassette ID number. Thebar code 120 b has the form representing the information of thenumerical code 120 a. Type information 120 c is printed on the label 120to indicate the type used in the telephoto selectable type of thelens-fitted photo film unit.

In FIG. 10A, the leader and the trailer of the photo film 118, which arenot used for exposures, include a manufacturing lot code 126, a photofilm ID code 127 and bar codes 128 and 129, which are side-printed inthe course of photo film manufacture. The manufacturing lot code 126consists of a train of numbers and letters and represents amanufacturing lot number. The photo film ID code 127 is a numeral of 9digits as a photo film ID number. The bar code 128 representsinformation of the manufacturing lot number. The bar code 129 is abinary code representing the photo film ID number and the availableframe number. There are imaging frames 130, defined on the photo film118, and having a regular size as exposure ranges. A frame number code131 is side-printed in the vicinity of the imaging frames 130. When thephoto film 118 is developed, the manufacturing lot code 126, the photofilm ID code 127, the bar codes 128 and 129 and the frame number code131 become visible.

The photo film ID number indicated by the photo film ID code 127 and thebar code 129 is different between individual strips of the photo film118, and determined equal to the cassette ID number of the cassette 119.It is possible to associate the photo film 118 with the cassette 119even when the photo film 118 is removed from the cassette 119.

In FIG. 10C, the photo film 118 has a transparent magnetic recordinglayer 118 c as a coating, which is applied to the back of a support 118a and opposite to an emulsion layer 118 b. There are magnetic datatracks on the photo film 118 in regions outside exposure regions formagnetic recording of various data. In FIG. 10B, the magnetic datatracks are a PLD track 132 or photofinishing leader data track, a PFSDtrack 133 or photofinishing frame specific data track, a CLD track 134or camera leader data track, a CFSD track 135 or camera frame specificdata track, and a CDD track 136 or customer device data track. The PLDtrack 132 and the PFSD track 133 are used to store data related to thephoto film 118, and data related to development and printing in a photolaboratory. The CLD track 134 and the CFSD track 135 store data relatedto an exposure, and data for designating a number of prints to beproduced. The CDD track 136 store an ID number of a camera used forexposures.

Among those tracks, the PLD track 132 and the CLD track 134 are disposedon the leader of the photo film 118, and store data related to the photofilm 118 and common among the imaging frames. To be precise, the PLDtrack 132 is provided with instruction data related to photo filmdevelopment by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture. Ordevelopment data is written to the PLD track 132 in relation todeveloping operation in a photo laboratory. For the CLD track 134, PAR(print aspect ratio) data is written to it by a camera for designating aprinting size or aspect ratio of photographic prints in a manner commonamong all the imaging frames.

The PFSD track 133 and the CFSD track 135 are formed for each of theimaging frames. Information for each imaging frame is written to thePFSD track 133 and the CFSD track 135. For example, correction data forcolor correction in the printing is written to the PFSD track 133. Thenumber of prints designated at the time of exposures and the PAR dataare written to the CFSD track 135.

In FIG. 10A, there is an optical indicia area 137 associated with eachof the imaging frames. The optical indicia area 137 is originally usedfor optically imprinting an optical indicia (hereinafter referred to PARindicia), which designates production of one of an H-size print (89×158mm), a panoramic size print (89×254 mm) and a C-size print (89×127 mm).Those are different in the aspect ratio of printed frames. As will bedescribed later, magnification indicia as optical indicia are imprintedin the optical indicia area 137 in the same shape as the PAR indicia,for the purpose of producing a 2-time tele-converted print and a 3-timetele-converted print in addition to a standard magnified print.

In the course of development and printing, the data are magnetically oroptically read by magnetic heads or photo sensors in a photo filmprocessor or a printer from the data tracks 132-136, the bar codes 128and 129 and/or the optical indicia area 137. The obtained data are usedfor various controls.

The photo film cassette 117 having this construction is commerciallymarketed or used as a component inserted in a lens-fitted photo filmunit. If used for a lens-fitted photo film unit, photo film data isprerecorded to the photo film 118 for signaling information that thephoto film is intended to produce prints according to a predeterminedprinting condition.

The photo film data is in the indirect form of telephoto selectable typedata, which represents the type to produce a standard magnified print, a2-time tele-converted print and a 3-time tele-converted print. Thetelephoto selectable type data is magnetically recorded to the PLD track132 during the manufacture. The telephoto selectable type data isregistered in a printer installed in a photo laboratory or aphotofinishing shop. When the telephoto selectable type data isdetected, printing is controlled according to any one of threemagnification indicia.

A magnification indicia 138, depicted in FIGS. 18-20, is imprinted inthe optical indicia area 137 respectively for the imaging frames 130,and is constituted by two bits, which consist of first and second dots138 a and 138 b. Printing conditions are predetermined in accordancewith the number of the dots in the magnification indicia 138. If boththe first and second dots 138 a and 138 b are imprinted for themagnification indicia 138, then a 2-time tele-converted print is to beproduced from the imaging frame. If only the first dot 138 a isimprinted for the magnification indicia 138, then a 3-timetele-converted print is to be produced from the imaging frame. If no dotis imprinted for the magnification indicia 138, then a standardmagnified print is to be produced from the imaging frame.

In FIG. 11, the top of a cassette holder chamber 140 a has a winderwheel 114 and a shutter drive mechanism 147, which operates to rotatethe cassette shutter 122 of the cassette 119 to a closed position. Adrive shaft is formed on the bottom face of the winder wheel 114, and isengaged with the spool 121 of the cassette 119. For each exposure, thewinder wheel 114 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the spool121 winds an exposed portion of the photo film 118 into the cassette119. The shutter drive mechanism 147 counts the number of rotations ofthe winder wheel 114. When the winder wheel 114 is rotated by an amountenough to wind the entirety of the photo film 118 into the cassette 119,then the cassette shutter 122 closes the passageway 124.

An exposure unit 141 includes an indicator light guide member 112, whichis slidable up and down and indicates a finished state of charging of anelectronic flash unit 142. When a charger lever 108 is slid up, theindicator light guide member 112 protrudes upward through the top faceof the lens-fitted photo film unit.

A front face of a printed circuit board 151 has pairs of contact points155 a and 156 a. There are contact segments 155 b and 156 b, disposed infront of the contact points 155 a and 156 a, respectively for contactingthe contact points 155 a and 156 a when the charger lever 108 is slid upto the on-position.

A charger switch 155 is constituted by the contact points 155 a and thecontact segment 155 b. A flash set switch 156 is constituted by thecontact points 155 a and the contact segment 156 b. The charger switch155 is turned on when the contact segment 155 b contacts the contactpoints 155 a. A main capacitor 150 is charged while the charger switch155 remains turned on. The flash set switch 156 is turned on when thecontact segment 156 b contacts the contact points 156 a. The flash setswitch 156, while turned on, allows emission of flash light, and whileturned off, inhibits emission of flash light.

A synchro switch 157 for flash emission is disposed on the printedcircuit board 151. The synchro switch 157 is constituted by upper andlower resilient contact segments 157 a and 157 b. When the shutter bladeis fully open, a push projection (not shown) of the shutter bladedeforms the upper contact segment 157 a down resiliently, so that theupper contact segment 157 a contacts the lower contact segment 157 b toturn on the synchro switch 157.

On the rear of the printed circuit board 151, an indicator LED 158 andan imprinter LED 159 are disposed. The indicator LED 158 emits lightupon the finish of charging, and causes the indicator light guide member112 to inform a finished state of the charging. The imprinter LED 159 isa light source adapted to imprint the magnification indicia 138. SeeFIG. 14. The imprinter LED 159 is driven while the synchro switch 157 isturned on and irrespective of a position of the charger lever 108.

In FIG. 11, a reference numeral 140 a designates the cassette holderchamber loaded with the cassette 119. Bottom lids 144 a and 144 b coverrespective bottoms of the cassette holder chamber 140 a and a rollholder chamber 140 b. A base portion 148 constitutes the exposure unit141, and holds a shutter mechanism 141 a having the shutter blade (SeeFIG. 14), a one-frame advancing mechanism, and an objective lens 105 aand an eyepiece lens (not shown) of a viewfinder 105. A lens holder 149holds a taking lens 104 inclusive of two elements in front of the baseportion 148. Metal segments 154 hold a dry battery 153, and connects itwith the flash circuit electrically.

In FIG. 12, a front cover 143 is constituted by a front cover body 160and a front panel 161 secured to the front face of the front cover body160. A finder opening 162 is formed in the front cover body 160 in thesame shape as an objective window 106 in the front panel 161. Thecharger lever 108, a view selector plate 163 and a toggle spring 164 aredisposed between the front cover body 160 and the front panel 161. Theview selector plate 163, the toggle spring 164 and the objective window106 constitutes a view selector mechanism for changing over the visualfield of the viewfinder 105.

The view selector plate 163 is approximately disk-shaped, and has acircular opening 165 in its center. A lens barrel 166 is formed in thefront face of the front cover body 160, and receives in the circularopening 165 inserted therein. Thus the view selector plate 163 isrotatable on the front cover body 160. A boss 167 is formed with abottom of the front of the view selector plate 163. An operation button109 is secured to the boss 167, and inserted through a slit 168, whichis formed in the front panel 161 in an arc shape.

A first telephoto finder frame 170 and a second telephoto finder frame171 are formed in the periphery of the view selector plate 163 to definea visual field of the viewfinder 105. When the operation button 109 isoperated to rotate the view selector plate 163, the telephoto finderframes 170 and 171 are selectively positioned in front of the objectivelens 105 a. There is a recess 172 located between the telephoto finderframes 170 and 171 to open the objective window 106 as a standard finderframe.

In the present lens-fitted photo film unit, the standard magnifying modeis predetermined to print the whole of the imaging frame 130 inenlargement for the H-size by use of the taking lens 104 having thefocal length of 24 mm. The objective window 106 for the standard finderframe defines a standard visual field of the viewfinder 105, whichallows observation in a region to be printed in this mode. The standardvisual field occurs when the recess 172 is set behind the objectivewindow 106.

The first telephoto finder frame 170 has an aspect ratio equal to thatof the objective window 106, but has a width and a length half as greatas those of the objective window 106. When the first telephoto finderframe 170 is set at the objective window 106, the visual field of theviewfinder 105 becomes a central portion having an area ¼ as much asthat of the standard visual field, in compliance with the 2-timetele-converting mode. A photographic field of view is observable in thisregion in a manner the same as a region which would be observed througha taking lens having a focal length of 48 mm.

The second telephoto finder frame 171 has an aspect ratio equal to thatof the objective window 106, but has a width and a length ⅓ as great asthose of the objective window 106. When the second telephoto finderframe 171 is set at the objective window 106, the visual field of theviewfinder 105 becomes a central portion having an area {fraction (1/9)}as much as that of the standard visual field, in compliance with the3-time tele-converting mode. A photographic field of view is observablein this region in a manner the same as a region which would be observedthrough a taking lens having a focal length of 72 mm.

When the operation button 109 is set in the standard position, the viewselector plate 163 is positioned to set the recess 172 behind theobjective window 106. When the operation button 109 is set in the 2-timetele-converting position, the first telephoto finder frame 170 is setbehind the objective window 106. When the operation button 109 is set inthe 3-time tele-converting position, the second telephoto finder frame171 is set behind the objective window 106. The toggle spring 164 isused to keep the view selector plate 163 reliably positioned to set thetelephoto finder frames 170 and 171 and the recess 172 at the objectivewindow 106.

A cam groove 174 is formed in the view selector plate 163 in a positiondifferent from the circular opening 165. A distance from the cam groove174 to the center of the circular opening 165 is changed in apredetermined manner. A lever 175 is disposed on a main body 140 in arotatable manner, and has a lever end 175 a inserted in the cam groove174. As illustrated in FIG. 13, a pin 176 supports the lever 175axially. The pin 176 is disposed to protrude from a position above alight-shielded tunnel 146 of the main body 140. The lever end 175 a ofthe lever 175 is inserted through a notch 162 a (See FIG. 12), which isformed in an edge of the finder opening 162 in the front cover body 160.As the lever end 175 a is engaged with the cam groove 174, rotation ofthe view selector plate 163 causes the lever 175 to rotate about the pin176 by following the shape of the cam groove 174.

There is a cavity 178 formed under the light-shielded tunnel 146 toextend in the photo film advancing direction. There are first and secondopenings 179 a and 179 b located in the cavity 178 for the purpose ofimprinting the magnification indicia 138 to the photo film 118. Anindicia selector plate 180 is disposed in the cavity 178 in ahorizontally slidable manner. The indicia selector plate 180 is thinlyformed of plastic material with opacity, and has a selector opening 180a, which opens the openings 179 a and 179 b when the indicia selectorplate 180 is set in a predetermined set position. A hole 180 b is formedin an end of the indicia selector plate 180, and receives a pin 180 b,which is formed with an end of a slider 181.

An imprinter light guide member 183 and a light-shielding cover 184 arelocated in front of the indicia selector plate 180. The slider 181 ismounted in front of the light-shielding cover 184 in a horizontallyslidable manner. A coil spring 186 has one end connected with thelight-shielding cover 184, and a remaining end connected with one end ofthe slider 181. The coil spring 186 biases the slider 181 to the rightin the drawing. A fork 181 b is formed with a remaining end of theslider 181. A lever end 175 b of the lever 175 is located in an armportion extending beside the light-shielded tunnel 146, and engaged withthe fork 181 b. The indicia selector plate 180 is slid by the slider 181sliding in response to rotation of the lever 175. The coil spring 186keeps the lever end 175 a of the lever 175 in contact with an innersurface of the cam groove 174, to transmit rotation of the view selectorplate 163 to the indicia selector plate 180.

Light emitted by the imprinter LED 159 behind the printed circuit board151 is passed through a tube 184 a in the light-shielding cover 184, andbecomes incident upon an end of the imprinter light guide member 183, isguided by reflection inside the imprinter light guide member 183, anddirected toward the openings 179 a and 179 b. A reference numeral 185designates a light-shielding member, held between the printed circuitboard 151 and the tube 184 a in a slightly collapsed manner, forpreventing ambient light from entry to the tube 184 a through a bottomof the imprinter LED 159, and preventing light of the imprinter LED 159from spreading inside the housing 102.

Consequently the indicia selector mechanism for selectively determiningthe form of the magnification indicia 138 according to a magnificationset with the operation button 109 is constructed by a combination of thecam groove 174, the lever 175, the openings 179 a and 179 b, the indiciaselector plate 180, the slider 181, the imprinter light guide member183, the light-shielding cover 184 and the coil spring 186.

When the operation button 109 is operated to set the first telephotofinder frame 170 at the objective window 106, the indicia selectormechanism causes the indicia selector plate 180 to move to the left inFIG. 13 and away from the first opening 179 a. Also the selector opening180 a comes in front of the second opening 179 b. Thus both the openings179 a and 179 b are opened. The first and second dots 138 a and 138 bare imprinted to the optical indicia area 137 as the magnificationindicia 138. If the operation button 109 is operated to set the secondtelephoto finder frame 171 at the objective window 106, the indiciaselector mechanism causes the indicia selector plate 180 to move to theright in FIG. 13. The selector opening 180 a comes in front of the firstopening 179 a. The indicia selector plate 180 closes the second opening179 b. Thus only the first opening 179 a is open. Only the first dot 138a is imprinted to the optical indicia area 137 as the magnificationindicia 138.

When the operation button 109 is positioned to set the recess 172 at theobjective window 106, the indicia selector plate 180 is set in aposition to block both the openings 179 a and 179 b. No dot is imprintedin the optical indicia area 137. The dot number of the magnificationindicia 138 is zero (0).

In FIG. 14, the flash unit 142 has the main capacitor 150, a flashdischarge tube 152, the battery 153, the charger switch 155, the flashset switch 156, the synchro switch 157 and the indicator LED 158, andalso includes an oscillation transistor 188, an oscillation transformer189, a trigger capacitor 190, a trigger transformer 191 and the like.

The oscillation transistor 188 and the oscillation transformer 189constitute a blocking oscillator for converting the low voltage of thebattery 153 to high voltage as known in the art. The blocking oscillatoroperates while the charger switch 155 is turned on, to generate the highvoltage in a secondary winding 189 b according to a ratio between thenumbers of turns of the secondary winding 189 b and a primary winding189 a. Thus the main capacitor 150 and the trigger capacitor 190 arecharged. Terminals of a tertiary winding 189 c apply voltage to theindicator LED 158 in a forward direction. The forwards directed voltageincreases in proportion to the charged voltage of the main capacitor 150in the course of the charging, until the indicator LED 158 comes toilluminate upon the finish of the charging.

When the shutter blade in the shutter mechanism 141 a turns on thesynchro switch 157, the trigger capacitor 190 is discharged under thecondition of keeping the flash set switch 156 turned on. Trigger voltagegenerated by the trigger transformer 191 is applied to the flashdischarge tube 152, the main capacitor 150 is discharged in connectionwith the flash discharge tube 152. The flash discharge tube 152 iscaused to emit flash light, with which a flash emitter 107 illuminates.

A drive circuit 194 for driving the imprinter LED 159 is incorporated inthe above-described flash circuit, and constitutes the indicia exposingdevice in combination with the above indicia selector mechanism. In thedrive circuit 194, a first transistor 194 a is turned on when thesynchro switch 157 is turned on, in a manner irrespective of designatedoccurrence of flash emission, set positions of the charger switch 155 orthe flash set switch 156, the charged voltage of the main capacitor 150,or the like. When the first transistor 194 a is turned on, a secondtransistor 194 b is also turned on, the second transistor 194 b beingconnected in parallel with the charger switch 155. Then the blockingoscillator in the flash circuit starts operating.

The imprinter LED 159 is connected between one terminal of theoscillation transformer 189 and the grounded potential. In other wordsthe imprinter LED 159 is connected with a collector and an emitter ofthe oscillation transistor 188 via the first transistor 194 a. While thefirst transistor 194 a is turned on, a voltage between the collector andthe emitter of the oscillation transistor 188. The voltage between thecollector and the emitter of the oscillation transistor 188 is increasedin a pulsed manner by 6-7 volts in synchronism with oscillation of ablocking oscillator. The imprinter LED 159 emits light while the synchroswitch 157 is turned on each time that the shutter blade operates for anexposure. Details of this circuit are described in the commonly assignedU.S. Pat. No. 5,784,658 (corresponding to JP-A 8-248572). Of course theconstruction for driving the imprinter LED 159 or that for imprintingthe magnification indicia 138 may be modified.

The above lens-fitted photo film unit is provided with the finder framesin the view selector plate 163 and printed indication on the label 103,but except for those elements, can be constructed from parts common withthe lens-fitted photo film unit in which the PAR indicia are imprintedto photo film to enable production of prints at plural aspect ratios. Itis possible to reduce changes in a manufacturing line, and reduceaddition of new elements to manufacturing facilities. Increase in themanufacturing cost can be minimized.

By the construction in which the photo film 118 storing the telephotoselectable type data is used and the magnification indicia 138 for onemagnification is imprinted, it is possible to produce photographicprints in manners of photographing as if a taking lens having focallengths of 48 mm and 72 mm were used for exposures. It is not necessaryto increase a length of an optical path from the taking lens 104 to thephoto film 118. No complicated mechanism to change over the taking lensis required. Accordingly the lens-fitted photo film unit can have areduced size and a thin shape without complicating the structure.

In FIG. 15, an example of a printer for producing prints from the photofilm 118 is depicted. The printer is structured to produce prints fromthe photo film 118 according to the magnification indicia 138. Theprinter is provided with a modified or additional program on the basisof a program of a digital printer for producing prints of predeterminedtypes from an ordinary photo film or the photo film 118 with the PARindicia imprinted thereto.

The digital printer generally consists of an input component 201 and anoutput component 202. The input component 201 includes a magnetic head204, a photo sensor 205, a scanner 206, an image memory 207, an imageprocessor circuit 208, a conveyor mechanism (not shown), a controller209 and the like. The magnetic head 204 reads data from the magneticdata track. The photo sensor 205 reads the bar codes 128 and 129 andindicia in the optical indicia area 137. The scanner 206 reads an imagefrom the imaging frame 130 of the photo film 118. The conveyor mechanismconveys the photo film 118 from the cassette 119 toward the scanner 206after the photo film cassette 117 is set. The controller 209 controlsthose elements.

While the photo film 118 is conveyed, the magnetic head 204 reads dataof various kinds from the magnetic data tracks of the photo film 118.The data are sent to the controller 209, and used for control of imageprocessing in the image processor circuit 208. Also during theconveyance of the photo film 118, the photo sensor 205 reads the barcodes 128 and 129 of the visible forms, and optical indicia in theoptical indicia area 137, namely the PAR indicia or the magnificationindicia 138. A result read by the photo sensor 205 is sent to thecontroller 209, and used in the image processing in combination with thedata from the magnetic tracks.

The scanner 206 is constituted by a photo film carrier, an illuminator,a CCD (charge coupled device), a lens and the like. The illuminatorilluminates the imaging frame 130 of the photo film set in the photofilm carrier. The CCD reads the imaging frame 130. The lens focuses animage of the imaging frame 130 on the CCD. The CCD in the scanner 206measures the image of the imaging frame 130 by photometry of three-colorseparation of red, blue and green colors each time the photo film 118 isadvanced by one frame. The scanner 206 obtains an photoelectric signal,and sends it to an A/D converter 210.

The A/D converter 210 converts the image in the imaging frame 130 intothree-color image data by digital conversion of the photoelectric signalof each of the colors. The three-color image data is written to theimage memory 207. The image processor circuit 208, upon writing of theimage data for one frame, reads the image data from the image memory207, and processes an image under the control by the controller 209.

For this image processing, colors of an image are corrected. If thetelephoto selectable type data is detected from the photo film 118, atrimmed region is trimmed from the imaging frame 130 according to themagnification indicia 138 for each imaging frame, and is enlarged by aprinting magnification determined from a size of the trimmed region. Ifthe magnification indicia 138 of an imaging frame has no dot, then theimaging frame is handled in the standard manner of the printing. Thewhole region of the imaging frame 130 is used to produce processed imagedata for printing the imaging frame 130 by fully using the photographicpaper of the H-size. If the magnification indicia 138 of an imagingframe has two (2) dots, then the imaging frame is handled in the 2-timetele-converting printing. The 2-time tele-converted trimmed region,which has an area ¼ as much as that of the imaging frame 130, is used toproduce processed image data for printing the imaging frame 130 by fullyusing the photographic paper of the H-size. If the magnification indicia138 of an imaging frame has one (1) dot, then the imaging frame ishandled in the 3-time tele-converting printing. The 3-timetele-converted trimmed region, which has an area {fraction (1/9)} asmuch as that of the imaging frame 130, is used to produce processedimage data for printing the imaging frame 130 by fully using thephotographic paper of the H-size.

The output component 202 is constituted by an image memory 211, a laserunit 212, a driver 213, a polygon mirror 214, an Fθ lens 215, a conveyormechanism (not shown) and the like. The image memory 211 stores theprocessed image data written to it by the image processor circuit 208.The laser unit 212 outputs laser of each of red, blue and green colors.The driver 213 controls the output of the laser unit 212 according tothe processed image data of the image memory 211. The conveyor mechanismconveys continuous color photographic paper 216.

While the color photographic paper 216 is conveyed in its longitudinaldirection, the output component 202 exposes the color photographic paper216 by use of main scanning of laser light with the polygon mirror 214rotating at high speed, and sub scanning of the color photographic paper216 being conveyed, so as to create an image processed by the imageprocessor circuit 208. The color photographic paper 216 being exposed isdeveloped, and cut frame from frame to produce photographic prints. Notethat the color photographic paper 216, as measured in the directionperpendicular to the conveying direction, has a width equal to a shorterside of a photographic print of an H-size print.

In FIG. 8, a reference numeral 111 designates a counter window forindicating the number of remaining available frames. An opening 113 isformed for protrusion of the indicator light guide member 112. A printedcaption “TELEPHOTO SELECTABLE” 115 indicates the type in which aprinting magnification can be selectively designated to obtainpseudo-zoom photographs. Signs 116 a, 116 b and 116 c are 1×, 2× and 3×for indicating respective set positions of the operation button 109.

The operation of the above construction is described now. FIG. 16illustrates a flow from the manufacture up to a return of photographicprints to a user. The photo film 118, which is to be loaded in alens-fitted photo film unit of the telephoto selectable type, issubjected in the manufacture to a magnetic recording step, where thetelephoto selectable type data is prerecorded to the PLD track 132.

The photo film 118 in which the telephoto selectable type data isprerecorded is inserted into the main body 140 with the cassette 119. Arear cover 144 is mounted on the main body 140 to finish assembly of thehousing 102. The label 103 is attached to the housing 102 to obtain thelens-fitted photo film unit, which is shipped, supplied to a user, andused for taking exposures.

When the operation button 109 is operated, the view selector plate 163is rotated. The visual field of the viewfinder 105 becomes thataccording to the designated printing mode. It is possible to observe thevisual field equal to a region which a print will have. Rotation of theview selector plate 163 causes the lever 175 to slid the indiciaselector plate 180 to a position according to the designated printingmode. A user observes the photographic field of view through theviewfinder 105, frames it, and depresses a shutter release button 110 totake an exposure.

If flash light is required, the charger lever 108 is slid to anon-position to turn on the charger switch 155. Illumination of theindicator LED 158 is checked at the indicator light guide member 112 toconfirm a finish of the charging of the main capacitor 150. Then theshutter release button 110 is depressed.

When the shutter release button 110 is pushed, the shutter mechanism 141a is actuated to open and close the shutter blade. An exposure is taken.Upon a reach of the shutter blade to a fully open position, the synchroswitch 157 is turned on. If the main capacitor 150 has finished beingcharged with the charger lever 108 kept in an on-position, flash lightis emitted as the flash set switch 156 is turned on. Light passedthrough the taking lens 104 while the shutter blade is open is passedthrough an exposure aperture 145 to be incident upon an emulsion surfaceof the photo film 118. Thus the whole of the imaging frame 130 isexposed.

When the synchro switch 157 is turned on, the first transistor 194 a inthe drive circuit 194 is turned on in a manner irrespective ofdesignation of flash emission. The second transistor 194 b is alsoturned on. The blocking oscillator is operated while the synchro switch157 is turned on even the charger switch 155 is turned off. The voltagebetween the collector and the emitter of the oscillation transistor 188causes the imprinter LED 159 to illuminate.

The light emitted from the imprinter LED 159 is passed through theimprinter light guide member 183, and directed toward the openings 179 aand 179 b. The indicia selector plate 180 is suitably set between theimprinter light guide member 183 and the openings 179 a and 179 b. Thelight from the imprinter LED 159 comes incident to the bottom of theimaging frame 130 of the photo film 118 through a designated set of atleast one of the openings 179 a and 179 b according to the designatedprinting mode. The magnification indicia 138 having a dot or dots ofthis mode is imprinted to the optical indicia area 137.

In a photo laboratory, the photo film cassette 117 after exposures isremoved from the housing 102. The photo film 118 is drawn out of thecassette 119 of the photo film cassette 117. The photo film 118 is setin a photo film processor and developed, and contained in the cassette119 again. The cassette 119 is then set in the digital printer. In thedigital printer, the leader of the photo film 118 is drawn out of thecassette 119 and conveyed toward the scanner 206.

In the course of the conveyance, the magnetic head 204 reads the PLDtrack 132, the CDD track 136 and the CLD track 134 serially on theleader of the photo film 118. Then the magnetic head 204 reads the PFSDtrack 133 and the CFSD track 135 for each of the imaging frames. Variouskinds of the data in those data tracks are recognized by the controller209. Also during the conveyance, the photo sensor 205 reads the barcodes 128 and 129 and the optical indicia (either PAR indicia ormagnification indicia) in the optical indicia area 137, all of which aredeveloped visible images, and recognized by the controller 209. Thecontroller 209, according to the data and indicia information, controlsthe image processor circuit 208.

In FIG. 17, steps of operation of the digital printer are depicted. Inthe control of the image processor circuit 208, the controller 209checks the type data magnetically recorded to the PLD track 132, andjudges whether the type data is the telephoto selectable type data. Ofcourse the photo film 118 originally has the telephoto selectable typedata. The controller 209 changes over the control to determine theoptical indicia in the optical indicia area 137 of the photo film 118 asthe magnification indicia 138.

The photo sensor 205 reads the magnification indicia 138 from theoptical indicia area 137 of a first imaging frame during a periodbeginning upon reading of each magnetic data track of the leader of thephoto film 118 and ending upon setting of the first imaging frame at thephoto film carrier of the scanner 206. The magnification indicia 138 isstored in the controller 209.

When the first imaging frame is set in the photo film carrier, the CCDstarts being operated. An image of the whole of the imaging frame 130 ofthe first imaging frame is read. The three-color image data of the imageis written to the image memory 207 in cooperation with the A/D converter210. Then the image processor circuit 208 reads the image data from theimage memory 207. The controller 209 sends an instruction signal to theimage processor circuit 208 according to a detected result of themagnification indicia 138.

According to this instruction, the image processor circuit 208designates only data of the trimmed region from the image data of thefirst imaging frame according to the magnification indicia, and producesprocessed image data with which an image of the trimmed region isprinted in an area of the H-size. The image processor circuit 208outputs the three-color processed image data, which is written to theimage memory 211 of the output component 202.

The processed image data is written to the image memory 211. The laserunit 212 is driven by the driver 213 according to the processed imagedata. An image of the trimmed region according to the magnificationindicia 138 determined for the first imaging frame is enlarged at theH-size and created on the color photographic paper 216. Similarly theimage of each imaging frame is read by the scanner 206. An image of eachtrimmed region according to the magnification indicia 138 associatedwith each imaging frame is enlarged and created on the colorphotographic paper 216.

The exposed portion of the color photographic paper 216 is sent to astation of development for the color paper, and developed, fixed anddried. The color photographic paper 216 is cut at a frame size of theH-size print, and exited from the digital printer. Those photographicprints are supplied to the user with the photo film 118.

If the operation button 109 is set at the standard position to designatethe standard mode, the recess 172 is set behind the objective window106. As depicted in FIG. 18A, a standard visual field 220 is defined inthe viewfinder 105 to observe a subject image, and corresponds tophotography with the taking lens having the focal length of 24 mm.

An exposure is taken while framing the subject as illustrated in FIG.18A. In FIG. 18B, the subject image observed through the viewfinder 105is exposed on the photo film 118 in the whole of the imaging frame 130.In response to setting of the operation button 109 in the standardposition, the openings 179 a and 179 b are blocked by the indiciaselector plate 180. No dot is imprinted to the optical indicia area 137if the imprinter LED 159 illuminates. The number of a dot of themagnification indicia 138 is zero (0).

According to the magnification indicia 138 of this form lacking a dot,standard printing is designated, in which a printing magnification isdetermined to enlarge the whole of the imaging frame 130 approximatelyto the H-size in exposing the color photographic paper 216. In FIG. 18C,a standard photographic print 221 is obtained with an image size and anangle of view in a manner of photography with a taking lens having thefocal length of 24 mm.

If the operation button 109 is set at the 2-time tele-convertingposition to designate the 2-time tele-converting mode, the firsttelephoto finder frame 170 is set behind the objective window 106.Hatched peripheral portions indicated in FIG. 19A inside the viewfinder105 are masked to allow observing the central portion which has an area¼ as much as the standard visual field 220. A first telephoto visualfield 222 is defined to observe a subject image, and corresponds totelephotography with a taking lens having a focal length of 48 mm. Notethat partial images in the hatched portion in the drawing are not seenthrough the viewfinder 105.

A photographic subject is targeted as illustrated in FIG. 19A to take anexposure. In FIG. 19B, the whole image is exposed fully in the region ofthe imaging frame 130 in a manner inclusive of the partial peripheralimages masked by the recess 172. The exposed state is the same as thatwith the taking lens 104 having the focal length of 24 mm. The observedsubject image in the first telephoto visual field 222 is exposed to afirst telephoto trimmed region 223, which has the same aspect ratio asthe imaging frame 130 but has an area ¼ as much as that of the imagingframe 130. As the operation button 109 is positioned for the 2-timetele-converting printing, both the openings 179 a and 179 b are keptopen by the indicia selector plate 180. The magnification indicia 138including both the dots 138 a and 138 b is imprinted in the opticalindicia area 137 by the light from the imprinter LED 159.

According to the two dots of the magnification indicia 138, 2-timetele-converting printing is designated, in which a printingmagnification is determined to enlarge the first telephoto trimmedregion 223 approximately to the H-size in exposing the colorphotographic paper 216. This printing magnification is two times asgreat as that for the standard print 221 described above. In FIG. 19C, afirst telephoto photographic print 224 is obtained with an image sizeand an angle of view in a manner of telephotography with a taking lenshaving the focal length of 48 mm.

If the operation button 109 is set at the 3-time tele-convertingposition to designate the 3-time tele-converting mode, the secondtelephoto finder frame 171 in the viewfinder 105 in FIG. 20A allowsobserving the central portion which has an area {fraction (1/9)} as muchas the standard visual field 220. A second telephoto visual field 225 isdefined to observe a subject image, and corresponds to telephotographywith a taking lens having a focal length of 72 mm.

In FIG. 20B, the whole image is exposed fully in the region of theimaging frame 130 in a manner inclusive of the partial peripheral imagesmasked by the second telephoto finder frame 171. The observed subjectimage is exposed to a second telephoto trimmed region 226, which has thesame aspect ratio as the imaging frame 130 but has an area {fraction(1/9)} as much as that of the imaging frame 130. Only the first opening179 a is kept open by the indicia selector plate 180. The magnificationindicia 138 including only the first dot 138 a is imprinted in theoptical indicia area 137. At the time of printing, the 3-timetele-converting printing is designated according to the magnificationindicia 138. In FIG. 20C, the image in the second telephoto trimmedregion 226 is enlarged at the H-size. As a result a second telephotophotographic print 227 is obtained with an image size and an angle ofview in a manner of telephotography with a taking lens having the focallength of 72 mm.

If no telephoto selectable type data is detected from photo film, theoptical indicia in the optical indicia area 137 on the photo film isrecognized as PAR indicia. According to the number of a dot or dots ofthe PAR indicia, prints are produced at the panoramic size or theC-size. If there is no dot, then a print of the H-size is produced.

In the above embodiment, the view selector plate is used to select oneof the visual fields according to a designated printing mode.Alternatively a structure in FIG. 21 can be used. Inside a finder visualfield 230 are observable standard frame pointers 231 a, first framepointers 231 b and second frame pointers 231 c. The standard framepointers 231 a indicate a region determined as if an exposure regionwere defined for a taking lens having a focal length of 24 mm. The firstframe pointers 231 b indicate a trimmed region determined as if anexposure region were defined for a taking lens having a focal length of48 mm. The second frame pointers 231 c indicate a trimmed regiondetermined as if an exposure region were defined for a taking lenshaving a focal length of 72 mm. It is also possible to change a visualfield of the viewfinder and a size of an observed image by changing overan eyepiece lens of the viewfinder 105 according to setting of theoperation button 109.

A drive circuit for imprinting magnification indicia may be constructedas illustrated in FIG. 22. The drive circuit is constituted by first andsecond switches 233 a and 233 b, first and second lamps 233 a and 234 b,a synchro switch 235 and a dry battery 236. The switches 233 a and 233 bare turned on and off according to a position of an operation button232. The lamps 233 a and 234 b are light sources for first and seconddots of magnification indicia. The synchro switch 235 is turned on whenthe shutter blade of the shutter mechanism 141 a fully opens. Theoperation button 232 is disposed on the rear of the lens-fitted photofilm unit in a manner the same as the operation button 12 of FIG. 3.

When the operation button 232 is set in the position 1× of the standardmagnifying mode, both the switches 233 a and 233 b are turned off. Whenthe operation button 232 is set in the position 2× of the 2-timetele-converting mode, both the switches 233 a and 233 b are turned on.When the operation button 232 is set in the position 3× of the 3-timetele-converting mode, only the first switch 233 a is turned on. Themagnification indicia according to the printing mode designated with theoperation button 232 by the user is imprinted to the optical indiciaarea 137.

There is no need of an indicia selector mechanism for changing theimprinted form of a printing magnification. The battery 236 may be thebattery of the flash unit. Two (2) LEDs may be used instead of the lamps233 a and 234 b. Furthermore only one lamp or LED may be used incombination with the indicia selector mechanism of the above embodimentfor the purpose of imprinting magnification indicia. If the outputvoltage of the battery is insufficient for causing the LED toilluminate, it is necessary to obtain sufficiently high voltage in themanner the same as the above embodiment, or to use a battery ofelectromotive force of three (3) volts to drive the LED directly.

Another preferred embodiment is hereinafter described in which there isonly one fixed printing condition of high magnification for pseudo-zoomphotographs. Elements similar to those of the above embodiments aredesignated with identical reference numerals.

In FIG. 23, there is a printed caption 237 of “3× TELE-CONVERTED” on thelabel 103. A charger pushbutton 238 is disposed on the front face of thelens-fitted photo film unit. When the charger pushbutton 238 isdepressed, the flash device is charged. There is an indicator window(not shown), formed near to the eyepiece of the viewfinder 105, forexternally guiding illumination of an LED or neon tube to indicate afinish of the charging. If the main capacitor finished being charged,flash light is emitted. It is also possible to use the indication of thefinish of the charging according to the above embodiment. The takinglens 104 has the focal length of 24 mm. The viewfinder 105 has anobjective window 239, which only has a 3-time tele-converted visualfield, which corresponds to the taking lens having the focal length of72 mm.

The housing 102 is constituted by the main body 140, the exposure unit141, the electronic flash unit 142, the front cover 143 and the rearcover 144, and is pre-loaded with the photo film cassette 117. Thehousing 102 does not have the operation button for the mode designation,the view selector plate or the indicia exposing device.

The photo film 118 has the PLD track 132 to which the 3-timetele-converting type data is prerecorded magnetically. The 3-timetele-converting type data is information of the photo film designatedfor producing prints according to the 3-time tele-converting printingcondition. This printing condition is to enlarge a 3-timetele-converting trimmed region having an area {fraction (1/9)} as largeas the imaging frame 130, and to produce a 3-time tele-converted printat the H-size.

A printer for producing prints is the digital printer of FIG. 15. Theprinter is provided with a modified or additional program in such amanner that, when the 3-time tele-converting type data is detected fromthe PLD track 132, 3-time tele-converted prints are produced from any ofthe imaging frames of the photo film 118.

The operation of the above embodiment is described now. In FIG. 24, thephoto film 118 to be inserted in the lens-fitted photo film unit of the3-time tele-converting type is previously subjected to magneticrecording, to prerecord the 3-time tele-converting type data to the PLDtrack 132. When a user intends to take an exposure, a photographicsubject is targeted while framed inside a telephoto visual field 240 ofthe viewfinder 105. See FIG. 25A. This corresponds to a regionphotographable with a taking lens having a focal length of 72 mm.

The shutter release button 110 is depressed. In FIG. 25B, the wholeimage is exposed fully in the region of the imaging frame 130 in amanner inclusive of the partial peripheral images being masked aroundthe telephoto visual field 240. The observed subject image is exposed tothe second telephoto trimmed region 226 having the same aspect ratio asthe imaging frame 130 but the area {fraction (1/9)} as much as that ofthe imaging frame 130.

Exposures are taken one after another. The photo film is developed, andthen set in the digital printer. The magnetic head 204 reads the 3-timetele-converting type data from the PLD track 132. The 3-timetele-converting printing is designated. The second telephoto trimmedregion 226 in the imaging frame 130 is enlarged and printed. In FIG.25C, a telephoto photographic print 241 is obtained.

The exposure aperture 145 of the main body 140 is determined as thefull-size of the imaging frame 130. Alternatively an exposure aperture242 of FIG. 26 may be formed and used, which has a length and a width ⅓as great as those of the imaging frame 130. This is effective inreducing the size of the main body 140. Thus the lens-fitted photo filmunit can have a reduced size.

It is also possible to prerecord the first dot for each optical indiciaarea of all the imaging frames, in combination of the 3-timetele-converting type data prerecorded magnetically. This is similar tothe previous embodiment, but enables production of 3-time tele-convertedprints.

In the present embodiment, the printing magnification is three times asmuch in the tele-converting type as that in the standard magnifyingtype. Of course the printing magnification may be more or less thanthree times as much. Plural types of telephoto lens-fitted photo filmunit may be manufactured and shipped. The lens-fitted photo film unit ofthe present embodiment may be manufactured together with that accordingto the first embodiment.

The values of tele-conversion as a ratio of higher magnifications to thestandard magnification may be 1×, 1.5× and 3× in combination, or 1×, 2×and 4× in combination. Of course a combination of 1.5×, 2× and 3× can beused without using 1×. If such three magnifications are not required, itis possible to use a combination of two magnifications, such as 1× and2×. One kind of the type data should be predetermined for each of thosecombination of the magnifications. It is consequently possible to shipplural types of lens-fitted photo film units between which thecombinations of the selectable printing magnifications are different.

Another preferred lens-fitted photo film unit of a slim selectable typeis described, in which the printing magnification is differently setbetween directions respectively parallel with a shorter side and alonger side of an imaging frame, and a subject image such as a standingperson is slimly printed by regularly altering the subject image.Elements similar to those of the above embodiments are designated withidentical reference numerals.

In FIG. 27, a printed caption 250 of SLIM SELECTABLE is printed on thelabel 103. There are signs 251 a, 251 b and 251 c of N (Normal orStandard), H (Horizontally slimming), and V (Vertically slimming),printed on the label 103, for indicating set positions of the operationbutton 109.

The operation button 109 is slid and set in any of a standard position,an H-slim position and a V-slim position, respectively indicated by thesigns 251 a-251 c, to designate one of a standard mode, an H-slim modeand a V-slim mode. In the H-slim mode, an H-slimmed print is produced,in which a printing magnification is greater in a direction parallelwith a shorter side of the imaging frame 130 than in that parallel withits longer side. In the V-slim mode, an V-slimmed print is produced, inwhich a printing magnification is greater in a direction parallel with alonger side of the imaging frame 130 than in that parallel with itsshorter side.

There is a rotatable plate (not shown) incorporated in the front cover143. The rotatable plate is similar to the view selector plate of theprevious embodiment, but does not have the finder frames. The opticalindicia (hereinafter referred to as slim indicia) imprinted to theoptical indicia area 137 is changed by the rotatable disk in associationwith the operation button 109. The visual field of the viewfinder 105 isthe fixed standard visual field.

For an H-slimmed print, a slim indicia 252 is predetermined as first andsecond dots 252 a and 252 b as illustrated in FIG. 30B. For a V-slimmedprint, the slim indicia 252 is predetermined as only the first dot 252 aas illustrated in FIG. 31B. For a standard print, the slim indicia 252is predetermined as zero (0) dot. Thus the form of the slim indicia 252to be imprinted by the optical indicia area 137 is changeable accordingto setting of the operation button 109. Note that the slim indicia 252has the same shape as the magnification indicia and the PAR indicia, andonly has a meaning different from them.

The photo film 118 has the PLD track 132 to which the slim type data isprerecorded magnetically. The slim type data is information of the photofilm designated for producing prints according to the slimming printingconditions. Those printing conditions are to produce a standard print,an H-slimmed print and a V-slimmed print by printing magnifications ofthe above modes according to the forms of the slim indicia 252 imprintedin the optical indicia area 137 for each imaging frames.

The printer for use with the photo film 118 is the same as that in theabove embodiment. The printer is provided with a modified or additionalprogram in such a manner that, when the slim selectable type data isdetected, the standard print, the H-slimmed print and the V-slimmedprint are selectively produced.

The operation of the above embodiment is described now with reference toFIGS. 28 and 29. The photo film 118 to be inserted in the lens-fittedphoto film unit of the slim selectable type is previously subjected tomagnetic recording, to prerecord the slim selectable type data to thePLD track 132. The photo film 118 with the cassette 119 is loaded in themain body 140.

In FIG. 30A, a standard visual field 255 being a rectangularquadrilateral in the viewfinder 105 is oriented to extend horizontally.A standing person is targeted. The operation button 109 is set in theH-slim position while an exposure is taken. The person image is extendedvertically or in the standing direction, in other words the person imageis compressed in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the standingdirection, so that the person image is printed more slimly than theperson is. In FIG. 30B, the person image observed in the viewfinder 105is exposed in the imaging frame 130. The slim indicia 252 having twodots is created in the optical indicia area 137. The digital printer isused for printing this imaging frame. At first the magnetic head 204 inthe digital printer detects the slim selectable type data from the PLDtrack 132. The imaging frame is handled in the H-slimmed printingaccording to the slim selectable type data and the two dots of the slimindicia 252. A horizontally trimmed region is trimmed from the imagingframe 130. Let a first printing magnification be determined in adirection parallel with the shorter sides of the imaging frame 130. Leta second printing magnification be determined in a direction parallelwith the longer sides of the imaging frame 130. A ratio of the firstprinting magnification to the second printing magnification is 1:0.95.As a result a horizontal slimmed photographic print 256 of FIG. 30C isobtained in which the person image is printed longer than it is in theshorter-side direction of the imaging frame.

In FIG. 31A, the standard visual field 255 being a rectangularquadrilateral in the viewfinder 105 is oriented to extend vertically. Astanding person is targeted. The operation button 109 is set in theV-slim position while an exposure is taken. In FIG. 31B, the personimage observed in the viewfinder 105 is exposed in the imaging frame130. The slim indicia 252 having one dot is created in the opticalindicia area 137. For printing this imaging frame, the imaging frame ishandled in the V-slim printing according to the slim selectable typedata and the one dot of the slim indicia 252. A vertically trimmedregion is trimmed from the imaging frame 130. Let a first printingmagnification be determined in a direction parallel with the shortersides of the imaging frame 130. Let a second printing magnification bedetermined in a direction parallel with the longer sides of the imagingframe 130. A ratio of the first printing magnification to the secondprinting magnification is 0.95:1. As a result a vertical slimmedphotographic print 257 of FIG. 31C is obtained in which the person imageis printed longer than it is in the longer-side direction of the imagingframe.

When the operation button 109 is set in the standard position, astandard print is produced with the printing magnification set equalbetween the shorter-side and longer-side directions. Note that, in FIGS.30C and 31C, the depicted slimmed images are exaggerated regarding theproportion of portions.

In the present embodiment the photographic subject observed through theviewfinder 105 is irrespective of the printing modes. But it is possibleto use two lens elements, which may be disposed on the rotatable plate,for regularly altering the subject image in respectively vertical andhorizontal directions. Portions to be eliminated from printing can bemasked. Moreover the visual field in the view-finder 105 may be providedwith additional visible indicia for representing designated printingmodes. In the present embodiment, portions of the exposed region of theimaging frame are not printed. Alternatively the whole of the imagingframe or the exposed region may be printed by changing the use of thephotographic printer.

If it is intended to produce slimmed photographic prints of one kindfrom all the imaging frames, it is possible to prerecord type data ofH-slim or V-slim printing to the photo film. This is similar to theabove lens-fitted photo film unit having the only one fixed printingcondition of high magnification for pseudo-zoom photographs.

In the above embodiments, type data of various kinds is magneticallyrecorded to the PLD track as photo film data. Alternatively the photofilm data may be directly recorded to the PLD track magnetically.Moreover a magnetic data track other than the PLD track readable forprinting may be used to store the type data. Also the type data may beoptically side-printed. The photo film data may be prerecorded in a formof bar code. The manufacture lot number included in the information ofthe bar code may be used to represent printing conditions indirectly.The photo film data may be prerecorded magnetically to the PFSD track orthe CFSD track at all of the imaging frames.

The above embodiments are telephoto selectable, fixedly 3-time telephotoand slim selectable. It is possible to ship and market two or more ofthose types at the same time, because any of the plural printingconditions can be discernible according to the photo film data recordedon the photo film. Various printing conditions can be predetermined,including color-tones of prints, and designated numbers of prints. Forexample, production of a telephoto print of the panoramic size or of theC-size may be designated. To this end, telephoto type data of a fixedtele-converting mode can be prerecorded to the photo film. The PARindicia can be imprinted into the optical indicia area.

Furthermore it is possible to designate the printing conditionsdifferent between the imaging frames in accordance with the opticalindicia imprinted in the optical indicia area. For example, a set of theoptical indicia may be predetermined in such a manner that production ofthe standard print is designated if the optical indicia is zero (0) dot,production of the 2-time tele-converted print is designated if theoptical indicia is one dot, and production of the V-slimmed print isdesignated if the optical indicia is two dots. Also it is possible thata first printing condition is commonly determined for the imagingframes, and that the optical indicia is added for some of the imagingframes to designate a second printing condition different from thefirst. For example, the first printing condition may be production of asepia-toned print. The second printing condition may be production ofthe 2-time or 3-time tele-converted print according to the opticalindicia. It is possible to obtain the 2-time and 3-time tele-convertedprints, either of which is toned in the color-tone of sepia.

Note that, instead of the above-described digital printer, aphotographic printer can be used in which an imaging frame on the photofilm is illuminated to effect an exposure on photographic paper forobtaining a photographic print. Certainly there is a difficulty for sucha photographic printer to produce slimmed prints, because a number ofadditional devices must be attached complexly to the printer.Consequently the digital printer is still preferable, because theprinter can process image data easily, and can be set for any of variousprinting conditions.

The above use of the digital printer makes it easy to produce prints ofa modified color-tone as desired. The image can be corrected with highprecision, so that prints of high quality of images can be printed. Evenan under-exposed imaging frame can be printed at a high quality becausethe digital printer can correct it by approximately +2 stops. It ispossible to use a flash main capacitor having a reduced size, becauseemission of flash light at a reduced amount is allowed even to produce ahigh-quality print. This is effective in reducing the cost of thelens-fitted photo film unit.

In FIGS. 32-35, a lens-fitted photo film unit 262 is described,according to which a color-tone to be used for printing from imagingframes on photo film can be selectively designated from color,black-and-white and sepia. An operation button 272 is operable at thetime of taking an exposure to designate one printing color-tone, andslidable in a slit 274. A label 264 or sticker has a set of printedsigns of C (Color print), B/W (Black-and-white print) and S (Sepiaprint), which are set positions for positioning the operation button 272along the slit 274.

In FIG. 33, a housing 263 is illustrated in perspective. The housing 263is constituted by a main body 276, an exposure unit 277, an electronicflash unit 278, a front cover 279, a rear cover 280, a view selectorplate 281 and a color-tone indicia exposing device. The view selectorplate 281 is disposed between the main body 276 and the front cover 279.The color-tone indicia exposing device is shifted with the view selectorplate 281, and imprints color-tone indicia to photo film 284 accordingto the designated one of the color-tones. The view selector plate 281 issupported in a rotatable manner on a support shaft 294 a, which isdisposed on a lens holder 294. The exposure unit 277 is mounted on thefront of the light-shielded tunnel.

A viewfinder 268 has a visual field, which is colored by the viewselector plate 281 for the purpose of causing a user to observe a fieldof view in the toned color associated with the designated color-tone.The view selector plate 281 has two openings arranged on an arc definedabout its rotational center. A sepia filter 281 a and a black-and-whitefilter 281 b are fitted in the respective openings. A recess 281 c isformed in the view selector plate 281 in an arc shape, and keeps ataking lens 269 uncovered externally. The operation button 272 is formedintegrally with the front of the view selector plate 281.

When the operation button 272 is in the C position, the view selectorplate 281 is away from an objective lens 268 a. The visual field of theviewfinder 268 is not colored. When the operation button 272 is in the Sposition, the sepia filter 281 a is placed in front of the objectivelens 268 a to color the region of the viewfinder 268 in the sepia color.When the operation button 272 is in the B/W position, theblack-and-white filter 281 b is placed in front of the view-finder 268to color the region of the viewfinder 268 in a predetermined color. Asis not shown, the view selector plate 281 has a click mechanism forprecisely setting in the C, B/W and S positions.

Of course no filter exists which could cause a user to observe aphotographic subject in a black-and-white state in the viewfinder 268.The black-and-white filter 281 b, in spite of its terminology, is a bluefilter or a filter of any suitable single color. It is also possible touse the filters 281 a and 281 b with toned colors different from thosedescribed herein for the purpose of causing a user to recognize eachdesignated color-tone. Also letters or indicia may be used to appear inthe visual field in the viewfinder 268 to indicate the designatedcolor-tone.

A link lever 304 is connected between bottoms of an indicia selectorplate 309 and the view selector plate 281, and causes the indiciaselector plate 309 to slide horizontally when the view selector plate281 is rotated by operation of the operation button 272. A selectoropening 309 a is moved relative to openings 291 and 292 to select amanner of imprinting a 2-bit optical indicia.

When the operation button 272 is set in the C position, the selectoropening 309 a of the indicia selector plate 309 is located between theopenings 291 and 292. Portions of the indicia selector plate 309 besidethe selector opening 309 a block the openings 291 and 292. When theoperation button 272 is set in the B/W position, the selector opening309 a is located at the opening 292. An end of the indicia selectorplate 309 retreats from the opening 291. Thus both the openings 291 and292 are open. When the operation button 272 is set in the S position,the selector opening 309a retreats from the openings 291 and 292. An endof the indicia selector plate 309 blocks only the opening 292. Then onlythe opening 291 is open.

In FIG. 34, the flash circuit includes a flash discharge tube 310, anoscillation transistor 311, an oscillation transformer 312, a triggercapacitor 313, a trigger transformer 314, a neon tube 315 and the like.The oscillation transformer 312 generates high voltage in a secondarywinding 312 b according to a ratio of the number of turns between thesecondary winding 312 b and a primary winding 312 a. In a rectifierdiode 316, a charging current of this high voltage flows. A triggerelectrode 310 a is used to application of a trigger voltage to the flashdischarge tube 310. A first transistor 319 a is turned on when a synchroswitch 301 is turned on. A second transistor 319 b is turned on when thefirst transistor 319 a is turned on.

The photo film 284 used in the lens-fitted photo film unit 262 hascolor-tone photo film data, prerecorded thereon, for representinginformation of the photo film of which a color-tone is designated. InFIG. 35A, a bar code 320 is optically prerecorded in edge portions ofthe photo film 284 extending in the longitudinal direction. In FIG. 35B,an example of the bar code 320 is illustrated in enlargement. The barcode 320 is constituted of a data track 320 a and a clock track 320 b,which is used for synchronization in reading of the data track 320 a. InFIG. 35A, a reference numeral 318 designates a train of letters, numbersor signs representing information of the FID code. After thedevelopment, an operator of photofinishing can read the sign train 318visually.

The data track 320 a is constituted by black bits 321 a and white bits321 b which have a respective width in a direction of a length of thephoto film 284. A pattern of arranging the black bits 321 a and thewhite bits 321 b represents an “FID code”. The FID code is informationincluding an ID number provided for each strip of the photo film and thenumber of available frames. The FID code of the photo film 284 used forthe lens-fitted photo film unit 262 includes color-tone photo film data.A bit 322, which is conventionally unused in the data track 320 a, isdetermined as a black bit in order that the information of the FID codealso includes the color-tone photo film data. The color-tone photo filmdata in the FID code makes it possible to discern whether or not the dotor dots imprinted outside the imaging frame is the color-tone indicia.

Note that the color-tone photo film data may be included in the FID datain such a manner that the photo film is detected the color-toneselectable type if the ID number of the photo film 284 is within apredetermined number range, or if a combination of some digits of the IDnumber is included in predetermined combinations. Moreover thecolor-tone photo film data may be recorded to a portion other than theFID code. A format of FID code may be newly defined.

The photo film 284 used in the lens-fitted photo film unit 262 is the IX240 type, or the type according to the Advanced Photo System. The photofilm 284 has a magnetic layer, disposed on the side of the back surface,for storing magnetic data of various kinds in magnetic tracks. It ispossible to prerecord the color-tone photo film data as magneticinformation. Note that the terms of the black bits 321 a and the whitebits 321 b mean bits of low density and high density which aredetectable by use of a photo sensor of a transmission type, and does notnecessary mean the bits of properly determined black and white colors.

In FIG. 32, a reference numeral 267 designates a counter window. Thereare a charger pushbutton 270 and a flash emitter 271 disposed on thefront face of the housing 263. A winder wheel 273 appears in the rear.In FIG. 33, a roll holder chamber 285 contains a photo film roll formedby winding the photo film 284. A cassette holder chamber 287 contains acassette 286 for winding the photo film 284 being exposed. An exposureaperture 288 defines a size of an imaging frame or exposure range on theemulsion surface of the photo film 284. A spool 286 a has an end engagedwith a shaft, which is formed integrally with the bottom of the winderwheel 273. A base portion 293 constitutes the exposure unit 277, andholds the shutter mechanism, the photo film one-frame advance mechanism,the viewfinder 268 and the like. Bottom lids 295 and 296 close bottomsof the roll holder chamber 285 and the cassette holder chamber 287 in alight-tight manner. The flash unit 278 includes a printed circuit board298, a main capacitor 299, a pair of metal segments 300 and a drybattery 302. A charger switch 306 is constituted by a contact segment306 a, and is turned on when the contact segment 306 a contacts a pairof contact points 306 b.

In FIG. 36, the cassette 286 is set in a digital printer 323. A conveyormechanism advances the photo film 284 to the outside of the cassette286, and conveys the photo film 284 to photo sensors 326 and 327 andthen to a scanner 328. During the conveyance, the photo sensor 326optically reads the FID code from the data track 320 a of the bar code320. Note that the FID code is read each time that one strip of thephoto film is conveyed. The photo sensor 327 reads the color-toneindicia from each frame. A reference numeral 324 designates an inputcomponent of the digital printer 323. An output component 325 includes apolygon mirror 336 and an Fθ lens 337.

The operation of the above construction is described now. In FIG. 37,the photo film 284 for use in the lens-fitted photo film unit 262, whenmanufactured, is provided with the FID code in the form of the bar code320 as latent image, the FID code including the color-tone photo filmdata.

The photo film 284 with which the bar code 320 is recorded is insertedinto the housing 263 with the cassette 286. The label 264 is attached tothe housing 263 to obtain the lens-fitted photo film unit 262, which isshipped, and supplied to a user.

When the operation button 272 is operated, the view selector plate 281is rotated. The visual field of the view finder 268 is colored in amanner associated with the designated color-tone. Rotation of the viewselector plate 281 causes the link lever 304 to slide the indiciaselector plate 309 to a position determined for the designatedcolor-tone.

A user observes a subject to be photographed, and depresses a shutterrelease button 266. An imprinter LED 305 is caused to emit light by theoperation the same as that of the circuits of FIG. 14 in a mannerirrespective of emission of flash light. The light, emitted by theimprinter LED 305 while the synchro switch 301 is turned on, is directedtoward the openings 291 and 292 through an imprinter light guide member308.

If the operation button 272 is set in the B/W position in taking anexposure, dots 340 a and 340 b as color-tone indicia are imprinted underthe imaging frame on the photo film 284. See FIG. 38A. If the operationbutton 272 is set in the S position in taking an exposure, only the dot340 a as color-tone indicia is imprinted under the imaging frame on thephoto film 284. See FIG. 38B. If the operation button 272 is set in theC position in taking an exposure, no dot is imprinted, in other wordsthe color-tone indicia consists of zero (0) dot. See FIG. 38C.

The photo film 284 with the cassette 286 is set in a photo filmprocessor, and subjected to a color development process. After this thephoto film 284 is contained in the cassette 286 again and set in thedigital printer 323. In FIG. 39, steps of the operation of the digitalprinter 323 are illustrated. During the conveyance of the photo film284, the photo sensor 326 reads the FID code from the data track 320 ain the leader of the photo film 284. The FID code is decoded by acontroller 331. The controller 331 evaluates it as to whether itsinformation includes the color-tone photo film data.

After reading the FID code, the first imaging frame is set on the photofilm carrier in the scanner 328. Before the setting of the first imagingframe, the color-tone indicia of the imaging frame is read by the photosensor 327, and stored in the controller 331. Upon the setting of thefirst imaging frame, the CCD is operated to read the color image of theimaging frame. Three-color image data is written to an image memory 329in cooperation with an A/D converter 332.

If the dots 340 a and 340 b are detected as color-tone indicia of thefirst imaging frame as illustrated in FIG. 38A, the controller 331 sendsan image processor circuit 330 a command for converting the color imageof the imaging frame into a black-and-white image. According to thecommand, the image processor circuit 330 converts the color image intothe black-and-white color-tone by use of the image data of therespective colors, and outputs three-color processed image data for theblack-and-white image. The three-color processed image data is writtento an image memory 333 of the output component 325.

A laser unit 334 is driven by a driver 335 according to the processedimage data of the image memory 333. The first imaging frame is exposedon color photographic paper 338.

If only the dot 340 a is detected as color-tone indicia as illustratedin FIG. 38B, the controller 331 sends the image processor circuit 330 acommand for converting the color image of the imaging frame into a sepiaimage. According to the command, the image processor circuit 330converts the color image into the sepia color-tone by use of the imagedata of the respective colors, and outputs three-color processed imagedata for the sepia image. The three-color processed image data iswritten to the image memory 333. The laser unit 334 is driven accordingto the processed image data. The sepia image is recorded to the colorphotographic paper 338.

If no dot is detected recorded, then the controller 331 instructs theimage processor circuit 330 to output the color image according to thecolor image of the imaging frame. The image processor circuit 330 doesnot treat the color image for processing of toning or black-and-whiteconversion, but processes the color image by ordinary steps includingcolor correction and negative/positive inversion. Thus the imageprocessor circuit 330 obtains the processed image data, and writes it tothe image memory 333. According to the processed image data, the laserunit 334 is driven to record a color image to the color photographicpaper 338 optically.

As a result, a black-and-white photographic print 342 of FIG. 40A isobtained from an imaging frame exposed while the operation button 272 isset in the B/W position. A sepia photographic print 343 of FIG. 40B isobtained from an imaging frame exposed with the operation button 272 setin the S position. A color photographic print 344 of FIG. 40C isobtained from an imaging frame exposed with the operation button 272 setin the C position.

If the FID code does not include the color-tone photo film data and if adot or dots are detected by the photo sensor 327, then the dot or dotsare printing region indicia. According to the number of the dot or dots,the printing region or aspect ratio of the image is changed to produce acolor print. If there is no dot, a color print of the standard size isproduced. Note that, if the photo film in use is black-and-whitemonochromatic film, only black-and-white print is produced.

Prints as obtained are supplied to the user with the photo film 284. Asthe color images are exposed in the photo film 284, the user is enabledto request extra prints of the same imaging frames but in color-tonesdifferent from the initially obtained prints, if he or she desires it.

In the present embodiment the sepia print is monochromatically sepia ifthe color image is converted into the sepia image. However it ispossible by use of the digital printer to produce a sepialike colorprint, which is a color print but slightly toned in sepia.

In the above embodiment, the prints are produced after designating oneof three color-tones, which are color, black-and-white and sepia.However other color-tones may be included in the predetermined set. Forexample, a combination of blue and sepia, a combination ofblack-and-white, blue and sepia, a combination of color, black-and-whiteand sepia and the like may be used. It is further possible thatcolor-tone photo film data includes information of each combination ofcolor-tones, and that one color-tone is designated according to acombination of the color-tone photo film data and the color-toneindicia.

Furthermore the lens-fitted photo film unit may be constructed speciallyfor black-and-white prints or sepia prints. For this purpose, thecolor-tone photo film data and color-tone indicia are opticallyprerecorded to the photo film. The lens-fitted photo film unit is loadedwith the photo film, and does not have a mechanism for designating thecolor-tones. Of course color negative photo film may be used for such atype of the lens-fitted photo film unit. Thus color prints may beproduced additionally or selectively. Moreover the lens-fitted photofilm unit may be loaded with black-and-white photo film. This ispreferred if only monochromatic prints are intended, eitherblack-and-white or in a certain one of color-tones.

The above-described use of the digital printer is effective in producingprints, because images can be easily processed for changing thecolor-tone or others. It is possible to use the color-tone indicia asoptical indicia for designating one type of image processing, such asposterization, soft focussing and the like, and for designating anauxiliary image to be combined in the periphery of the principal imageof the subject. Furthermore it is possible selectively to prerecordcolor-tone photo film data for designating one color-tone, photo filmdata for designating a type of image processing, and photo film data fordesignating one kind of auxiliary image to be combined, any of the databeing prerecorded on the photo film. This makes it unnecessary to changethe mechanical construction of the lens-fitted photo film unit.

In the above embodiment, prints are produced from the photo film exposedin the lens-fitted photo film unit. Further a compact camera or asingle-lens reflex (SLR) camera may be used, may be loaded with photofilm to which the photo film data is prerecorded. A color-tone indiciais recorded to the photo film by each of the imaging frames. Thus it ispossible to produce prints of which the color-tone is changed. For suchoperation, the camera itself may record the photo film data such ascolor-tone photo film data.

Now referring to FIGS. 41-43, another preferred lens-fitted photo filmunit is described, which is adapted to produce a photographic print inwhich a subject image is combined with an auxiliary image. In FIG. 41, alens-fitted photo film unit 352 is constituted of a housing 353 and alabel 354. The housing 353 is pre-loaded with photo film, andincorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure. The label 354 covers aportion of the housing 353. Notice and description of the lens-fittedphoto film unit 352 are printed on the label 354. Also sample images 363a and 363 b are printed on the front of the label 354 to illustrateauxiliary images to be combined in the image synthesis.

The lens-fitted photo film unit 352 is shipped and sold in a formpackaged in a packaging bag having a moisture-proof property. A sampleof the auxiliary image for the image synthesis is also printed on asurface of the packaging bag. This reliably informs a user of thelens-fitted photo film unit 352 that prints will be produced incombination with the auxiliary image. The indicated sample image on thepackaging bag makes it easy for a user to choose this type of thelens-fitted photo film unit.

In FIG. 41, a reference numeral 356 designates a shutter release button.A counter window 357 indicates the number of remaining available frames.A viewfinder 358 and a taking lens 359 are disposed in the housing 353.A flash emitter 360 emits flash light toward a photographic subject. Acharger pushbutton 361 causes a flash unit to store electric charge whendepressed by external operation.

In FIG. 42, an exposure region 368 b of photo film 368 includes apredetermined number of imaging frames 370. Two kinds of perforations371 and 372 are alternately arranged along one edge of the photo film368. The perforation 371 is greater than the perforation 372. Theperforations 371 and 372 define starting and ending positionsrespectively of the imaging frames 370. As the photo film 368 is woundinto a cassette 367 in the lens-fitted photo film unit 352, theperforation 371 associated with one of the imaging frames 370 is locatedupstream from the perforation 372 associated with the same imagingframe.

Note that the conventionally used photo film has perforations of which asize is the same as that of the smaller perforation 372. But the photofilm in the lens-fitted photo film unit 352 has the perforation 371greater than the perforation 372 for the purpose of preventing usersfrom reloading a used main body with a new photo film. There arephoto-lab frames 376 a and 376 b defined respectively in a trailer 368 aand in a leader 368 c of the photo film 368 to be used in a photolaboratory for photo film development.

An optical indicia area 378 is located along an edge of the photo film368 opposite to the perforations 371 and 372, for optical recording ofencoded data of a type of an auxiliary image for the image synthesis.The encoded data to be recorded in the optical indicia area 378 is anauxiliary image indicia 379, which is constituted by a dot. A width ofthe auxiliary indicia area 379 and/or its position inside the opticalindicia area 378 is information representing the auxiliary image type.

The auxiliary indicia area 379 is recorded to the photo film 368 in thecourse of manufacture of a photo film cassette 364 for the lens-fittedphoto film unit 352. In FIG. 43, the photo film 368 is conveyed in thearrow direction to be contained in the cassette 367. A sensor 381 and apreexposing device 382 are arranged in a station in the photo filmconveying line. The sensor 381 is directed to the photo film 368 fordetecting a conveyed position of the photo film 368. The preexposingdevice 382 preexposes the auxiliary indicia area 379.

The sensor 381 is an infrared photoelectric sensor, of which an infraredbeam does not expose the photo film 368. The sensor 381 detects theperforations 371 and 372. In a manufacturing line of the photo filmcassette 364, a detecting signal from the sensor 381 is monitored, so asto stop conveyance of the photo film 368 in response to generation ofthe detecting signal. The preexposing device 382 prerecords theauxiliary indicia area 379 in the predetermined position in the opticalindicia area 378 while the photo film 368 is stopped. Note that theauxiliary indicia area 379 is illustrated as if it were visible for thepurpose of conveyance, but is not visible, because the auxiliary indiciaarea 379 as preexposed is a latent image before being developed.

In FIG. 44, a photographic print 384 is depicted, which is obtained byphotofinishing after taking exposures on the lens-fitted photo film unit352. In the print 384, there are a subject image 385 and auxiliaryimages 386 a and 386 b, which are the same as the sample images 363 aand 363 b printed on the label 354. Portions of the subject image 385have been cut away in spaces for inserting the auxiliary images 386 aand 386 b, to avoid overlapping the subject image 385 on the auxiliaryimages 386 a and 386 b. Thus the print 384 is prevented from having poorappearance.

The operation of the above construction is described with reference tothe flow in FIG. 45. A user selectively purchases the lens-fitted photofilm unit as he or she desires to insert a caption or auxiliary imagesuitable for photographs to be taken. Samples of the auxiliary image areprinted on the label of the lens-fitted photo film unit and on thesurface of the packaging bag packaging the same. The user does not failto obtain the lens-fitted photo film unit as desired. If he or shewishes to have a product suitable for a marriage ceremony, he or shepurchases the lens-fitted photo film unit 352 of which the auxiliaryimage is the caption related to the marriage ceremony.

Exposures are taken to expose all the imaging frames 370 on the photofilm 368. Then the lens-fitted photo film unit 352 is forwarded by theuser to a photo laboratory, where an operator subjects the photo film tophotofinishing. After the photo film 368 is developed, the digitalprinter is used for producing prints. In FIG. 45, the scanner in thedigital printer reads an image in the imaging frame 370 of the photofilm 368 at first. The subject image data being read is stored in asubject image memory in a provisional manner.

Then the digital printer detects presence or absence of the auxiliaryindicia area 379 in the optical indicia area 378 of the photo film 368.If the auxiliary indicia area 379 does not exist, it is determined thatthe photo film 368 has been exposed in a camera or a conventional typeof lens-fitted photo film unit. Prints are produced on photographicpaper by use of a subject image stored in the memory.

If existence of the auxiliary indicia area 379 is detected on the photofilm 368, the digital printer discerns the code represented by theauxiliary indicia area 379. Plural types of auxiliary images are storedin the memory. In accordance with the discerned code, data of anassociated one of the auxiliary images is written to a work memory. Thedigital printer combines the subject image data and the auxiliary imagedata, the subject image data being stored in the subject image datamemory, the auxiliary image data being stored in the work memory. In thecourse of the image synthesis, portions of the subject image data of thesubject image overlapped on the auxiliary images are deleted.

The synthesis produces combined image data. A known digital printingtechnique, such as CRT, laser, liquid crystal and the like, is used toexpose the color photographic paper according to the combined imagedata. In FIG. 44, the print 384 is obtained, inclusive of the subjectimage 385 and the auxiliary images 386 a and 386 b. After the printing,the photo film 368 is accommodated in the cassette 367 again, andreturned to the user while the print 384 is supplied.

If the user does not wish the image synthesis, he or she can request aphotofinisher to produce prints only with the subject image. This iseffective both at the time of an initial request of photofinishing andat the time of a subsequent request of extra printing.

In the present embodiment, the auxiliary image is only one kind commonto all the imaging frames 370 of the photo film 368. However auxiliaryimages may be predetermined differently between any of the imagingframes 370. Or the imaging frames 370 may be grouped into plural groups,each of which may be associated with one predetermined auxiliary image.Furthermore a magnetic data track 374 may be used to store a code of theauxiliary image according to magnetic recording. The photo film 368 isentirely coated with the magnetic recording layer. Thus the code of theauxiliary image may be magnetically recorded to a portion other than themagnetic data track 374.

In the above embodiment, the information of the auxiliary image and thesubject image is digitalized to combine the auxiliary image with thesubject image. However the subject image from the photo film 368 may beoptically exposed on the color photographic paper by use of photographicprinter or enlarger. After this the auxiliary image may be digitallyprinted with the subject image.

In the above embodiment, elimination of the auxiliary image, if desiredby a user, is instructed to photofinisher directly by the user.Alternatively a lens-fitted photo film unit may be provided with aconstruction in which insertion or elimination of the auxiliary imagecan be selected. Elements similar to those of the above embodiment aredesignated with identical reference numerals.

In FIG. 46, a lens-fitted photo film unit 390 has a device fordesignating insertion or elimination of the auxiliary image can beselected. An operation button 391 is disposed on the rear of thelens-fitted photo film unit 390 to be set in a selected one of twopositions. The operation button 391 is horizontally slidable. Before awinder wheel 362 is rotated each time after one exposure, the operationbutton 391 is slid to the on-position, to instruct the insertion of theauxiliary image for the imaging frame. Note that the operation button391 is biased by a spring (not shown) to the off-position, where theoperation button 391 is kept when not pushed externally.

In FIG. 47, the photo film 368 of the photo film cassette 364 to be usedin the lens-fitted photo film unit 390 has the auxiliary indicia area379, prerecorded in the optical indicia area 378, for representing thetype of the auxiliary image. This is similar to the counterpart of theabove embodiment.

The synthesis designator device is constituted of an opening 393, animprinter LED 394, a dry battery 395, and the operation button 391. Theopening 393 is located in a low position associated with the opticalindicia area 378. The imprinter LED 394 is disposed in front of theopening 393. The battery 395 is a power source for driving the imprinterLED 394. The battery 395 is also a power source of the flash unit. Whenthe operation button 391 is shifted to the on-position, the imprinterLED 394 emits light, which is passed through the opening 393 to exposean end of the optical indicia area 378 of the photo film 368. Asynthesis command indicia 396 is imprinted by the imprinter LED 394, andrepresents the command of insertion of the auxiliary image. At the timeof printing, existence of the synthesis command indicia 396 is detected,so that the auxiliary image is used for the image synthesis.

Still another preferred lens-fitted photo film unit is described now, inwhich auxiliary images of plural types are predetermined, andselectively designated by a user. Elements similar to those of the aboveembodiments are designated with identical reference numerals.

In FIG. 48, a lens-fitted photo film unit 400 has a selector forselectively designating one of five types of predetermined auxiliaryimages. An image selector 401 is disposed on the rear of the lens-fittedphoto film unit 400 in an externally operable manner. The image selector401 is constituted of a slit 402 and an operation button 403horizontally slidable in the slit 402. The operation button 403 issettable in a selected one of five positions indicated by signs 1-5.

There are five sample images 405, disposed on the rear of the label 354and above the image selector 401, associated with the set positions of1-5 of the image selector 401, for indicating respective auxiliaryimages in reduction. A user observes the sample images 405, and slidesthe operation button 403 to a position of a desired one of the sampleimages 405 to select one of the auxiliary images.

In FIG. 49, the optical indicia area 378 of the photo film 368 to beused in the lens-fitted photo film unit 400 does not have a prerecordedindicia for representing the type of the auxiliary image.

An image selector unit is constituted by openings 407 a-407 e, animprinter LED 408, a dry battery 409 and an imprinter synchro switch410. The openings 407 a-407 e are disposed in a position of the opticalindicia area 378. The imprinter LED 408 are confronted with the openings407 a-407 e. The battery 409 is a power source for driving the imprinterLED 408. The battery 409 is also a power source of the flash unit. Theimprinter synchro switch 410 is used for synchronization with emissionof flash light of the flash unit. The imprinter synchro switch 410 isturned on when depressed by the shutter blade opening and closing theshutter opening.

A slider 412 is formed with the operation button 403 of the imageselector 401. An end of the slider 412 has a fork 413, which fixedlyholds the imprinter LED 408. When the operation button 403 is set in anyof the set positions at the signs, the imprinter LED 408 comes in frontof one of the openings 407 a-407 e after sliding with the operationbutton 403. If, for example, the operation button 403 is set at the sign“3”, the imprinter LED 408 comes in front of the opening 407 c. Then theshutter release button 356 is depressed to release the shuttermechanism, of which the shutter blade turns on the imprinter synchroswitch 410.

When the imprinter synchro switch 410 is turned on, the imprinter LED408 emits light, which is passed through the opening 407 c to expose theoptical indicia area 378 on the photo film 368. An auxiliary imageindicia 415 is imprinted by the imprinter LED 408, and represents thetype of the auxiliary image. At the time of printing, the position ofthe auxiliary image indicia 415 is detected, so that the auxiliary imageof this type is used for the image synthesis.

In FIGS. 46-49, the optical recording of indicia is used for imprintinginsertion or elimination of an auxiliary image, or imprinting a selectedtype of auxiliary image. However the magnetic recording may be used forrecording data related to the same. In the above embodiments, thelens-fitted photo film unit is pre-loaded with IX 240 type of photo filmcassette of which a body is plastic. However a lens-fitted photo filmunit may contain 135 type of photo film cassette. The present inventionis applicable to a camera in which a photo film cassette is used.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of thepreferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to thosehaving skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changesand modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lens-fitted photo film unit, in which a housingincorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is pre-loaded withunexposed photo film, said lens-fitted photo film unit comprising:plural optical indicia imprinted in an optical manner in positionsoutside each imaging frame on said photo film, said positions beingdifferent from one another, a combination of said plural optical indiciadesignating a printing condition for printing of said each imagingframe, wherein said printing condition is selected from the groupconsisting of a color print, a sepia print and a B&W print.
 2. Alens-fitted photo film unit, in which a housing incorporates a mechanismfor taking an exposure, and is pre-loaded with unexposed photo film,said lens-fitted photo film unit comprising: plural optical indiciaimprinted in an optical manner in positions outside each imaging frameon said photo film, said positions being different from one another, acombination of said plural optical indicia designating a printingcondition for printing of said each imaging frame, wherein said printingcondition is selected from the group consisting of a slim print and asoft print.